Zambia-China Quality Development Forum Marks Milestone in Bilateral Relations
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia officiated the Zambia-China Quality Development Forum and Economic Exhibition at the Mulungushi International Conference Center, marking a momentous occasion celebrating six decades of robust partnership between the two nations.
Reflecting on the visionary leadership of Zambia’s Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda and Tanzania’s Dr. Julius Mwalimu Nyerere, President Hichilema highlighted the foresight they exhibited in fostering enduring alliances with China during its emergence under the leadership of the revered Founding Father, Mao Zedong.
This relationship has blossomed into a multifaceted tapestry encompassing investment, trade, technical cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
The President underscored the exponential growth in bilateral trade between China and Zambia, which surged by 77.6% in recent years, reaching US$6.73 billion. This remarkable trajectory positions Zambia as a key investment destination for over 600 Chinese companies, emphasizing the significance China attaches to the partnership with Zambia in its development agenda.
President Hichilema, recalling his visit to China alongside President Xi Jinping in September 2023, declared 2024 as the year of business to commemorate the six-decade milestone in diplomatic and business relations.
The Zambia-China Quality Development Forum serves as a platform to deepen commercial ties, focusing on joint ventures in pivotal sectors like agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and energy.
With an open invitation to Chinese investors to partake in Zambia’s development journey, President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to fostering innovation, hard work, and collaborative endeavors. As the forum marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, both nations stand poised to chart a path of mutual prosperity and sustainable development.
