The Zambia-China Trade Forum was held on December 27, with the presence of over 300 guests, including the Zambian Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Mines, Director of Energy, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and officials from the Zambian government and Chinese businesses.
The Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Han Juyue, delivered a keynote speech, highlighting the significance of 2024 as a milestone year for Sino-Zambian relations, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties. He emphasized the progress made in various sectors, including mining, energy, transportation, and agriculture. The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to Chinese businesses in Zambia for their contributions to the development of bilateral relations and encouraged them to increase their investments and conduct business in a lawful and responsible manner, serving as a bridge between the two countries.
The Zambian Minister of Trade and Industry, Honorable Mutale Nalumango, delivered a speech, commending the Chinese government for its efforts to upgrade Sino-Zambian relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. She noted that since President Hichilema's successful visit to China in September 2023, the relationship between the two countries has rapidly developed. Chinese businesses have made significant contributions to Zambia's economic transformation, social development, and improved living standards.
During the forum, the Zambian Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Mundia Phiri, presented the agricultural sector's strengths, development plans, and cooperation requirements. The Minister of Mines, Honorable Collins Mukumwa, briefed on the measures taken by the Zambian government to promote mining development and achieve the target of 300,000 tons of copper production by 2031. The Director of Energy, Honorable Moses Mulenga, discussed the plans for promoting power grid transformation, developing solar power plants, and constructing cross-border transmission lines.
The Chinese Ambassador and the Zambian Minister of Trade and Industry, together with other officials, presented awards to winners of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce's Sino-Zambian Economic Cooperation Promotion Awards, Social Responsibility Contribution Awards, and Employment Promotion Awards.