Recently, Ambassador Du Xiaohui met with Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry at request. The permanent secretary of MCTI, Mr. John Mulongoti, and the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Embassy, Mr. Liu Guoyu, were present.

Hon. Mulenga expressed blessing of new year to the Chinese people and thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to Zambia's economic and social development. Hon. Mulenga said that China is an important trade and investment partner, and Zambia is willing to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It is hoped that China will support Zambia in economic transformation.

Ambassador Du said that 2023 is the Year of Rabbit, which symbolizes vigor and shrewdness, implying that China-Zambia bilateral relations and practical cooperation are full of opportunities and vitality. China is willing to work with Zambia to make full use of the important platform of the FOCAC, and explore mutually beneficial and win-win practical cooperation, so as to promote the high-quality development of China-Zambia relations.