Zambia Highlights Strong Bilateral Relations with China at Economic Symposium
Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary of International Relations and Cooperation, underscored Zambia’s robust bilateral relations with China during her participation at the 2023-2024 ACCZ Annual General Meeting and Economic Symposium.
The event, organized by the Zambia Development Agency and the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia, received support from the Government of Zambia and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Ms. Gundersen emphasized Zambia’s foreign policy, centered on peace, security, stability, and economic diplomacy, as pivotal to national development and global engagement.
She highlighted the enduring bilateral ties between Zambia and China, culminating in high-level engagements such as President Hakainde Hichilema’s State Visit to China in 2023, which elevated relations to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.
During the State Visit, significant agreements were signed in trade, investment, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, mining, and agriculture sectors.
Ms. Gundersen also noted China’s pivotal role in Zambia’s economic landscape, including debt restructuring, COVID-19 vaccine assistance, and support during cholera outbreaks and drought emergencies.
The Permanent Secretary welcomed the designation of 2024 as the Zambia-China Year of Business Cooperation, affirming its role in consolidating six decades of bilateral relations.
She highlighted opportunities for Chinese companies to invest strategically in Zambia’s economy, leveraging the country’s resource endowments and development priorities.
The symposium, which focused on enhancing economic partnerships and regional connectivity through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railways, reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to deepening collaboration with China for mutual benefit.
