China Pledges Support for Zambia’s Growth in Energy, Transport, and Agriculture Sectors
Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga M.P., recently met with Mr. Tang Wenhong, acting Minister of Commerce for China, at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The discussion, held on the sidelines of the expo, emphasized China’s commitment to support Zambia’s development across various sectors, including energy, transport, and agriculture.
Minister Mulenga expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding partnership with Zambia, recalling the ties forged by leaders Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Chairman Mao Zedong.
He highlighted that trade between Zambia and China has exceeded $2 billion, with investments surpassing $3 billion across more than 500 Chinese enterprises, providing employment to 50,000 Zambians.
Additionally, he acknowledged the success of China’s Duty-Free-Quota-Free scheme, which has allowed Zambia to diversify exports beyond copper to products such as soya beans, stevia, and honey.
The Minister advocated for Chinese investment in Zambia’s energy sector, focusing on a balanced approach that includes solar, wind, thermal, and hydro projects, and large infrastructure initiatives like the North-South Water Diversion Project. He also called for collaboration in Zambia’s mining sector to promote value addition and industrialization.
Mr. Tang Wenhong responded positively, affirming China’s willingness to collaborate with Zambia, notably in the emerging Electric Vehicle subsector. Both leaders later toured the Zambian Pavilion, engaging with Zambian entrepreneurs, staff from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), and embassy representatives showcasing products like gemstones, honey, seeds, grains, and handicrafts.
The CIIE, held annually, is one of the world’s major trade exhibitions, attracting over 3,500 companies from 129 countries and regions this year, including 297 Fortune Global 500 firms.
China’s Premier, Mr. Li Qiang, officiated at the expo, reaffirming China’s commitment to opening its market to international trade partners.
