Zambia, China Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties

By Patricia Banda

Government has expressed appreciation for Chinese investment in Zambia and its contribution to the country’s economic development.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister CHIPOKA MULENGA says Chinese companies have continued to expand their investments in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining and health, a trend that has strengthened cooperation and increased trade between Zambia and China.

Mr. MULENGA said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Ministry Permanent Secretary CRUSIVIA HICHIKUMBA during a gala dinner hosted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

He assured Chinese investors that Government remains committed to creating a conducive environment for investment to support sustained growth in trade between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia President LI TIE thanked the Zambian Government for its support and for maintaining open and inclusive investment policies.

Mr. LI said these policies have enabled enterprises operating in Zambia to achieve stable growth.

In a related development, Acting Director General of the Immigration Department ENOCK CHIBOMBO said the department continues to work closely with the Chinese Government to facilitate the issuance of employment permits for Chinese nationals, a move aimed at encouraging skills transfer in sectors such as construction and health.

Labour Commissioner GIVENS MUNTENGWA called for closer cooperation with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in resolving labour-related issues.

Meanwhile, Zambia Revenue Authority –ZRA- Acting Commissioner General TIMOTHY MILAMBO urged the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and its members to promote consistent use of smart invoicing systems across their operations in order to benefit from available tax incentives.

Mr. MILAMBO made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Acting Commissioner for Customs Services BEATRICE KACHINDA.