On 27th January, Mr. Du Xiaohui, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, visited Kapiri Mposhi, Central Province of Zambia.
Ambassador Du and Hon. Stanley Kakubo, Zambian Foreign Minister and Member of Parliament for Kapiri Mposhi, and District Commissioner Mr. Francis Hasamala attended the handover ceremony for a water project donated by China.
Ambassador Du, in a speech, said that the water project has shown qualities of mutual respect, all-out efforts, and common development enshrined in the all-weather friendship between China and Zambia. More than half a century ago, China funded and built the TAZARA upon Zambia’s request. Today, the Chinese side has overcome geological and hydrological difficulties and managed to complete this water project. In the future, Kapiri Mposhi, where the terminus station of the TAZARA is located in, will gain greater development. He hoped that this water project will not only serve as a source of water, but also be a new source of the China-Zambia friendship.
Minister Kakubo said that the all-weather friendship between Zambia and China has been existing for decades. Zambia thanks the Government and people of China for the longstanding support towards Zambia. He paid tribute to the Chinese martyrs who lost their lives building the TAZARA. He commended China for having achieved world-known development. He welcomes more Chinese investment in Zambia, so that more development opportunities and local jobs can be created. He assures that Zambia's governments at all levels will create a better business environment for Chinese enterprises.
The water project can provide drinking water for thousands of residents in Kawama Township of Kapiri Mposhi, which was bothered by water problems for years. The locals had to go for 5 kilometers to collect water in the past. The project has brought fresh water supply to public premises such as the Kawama Market and Kawama Clinic.
After the ceremony, Ambassador Du, Minister Kakubo and District Commissioner Hasalama had a discussion with members of the Chinese business community in Central Province.
Minister Kakubo extended greetings of Chinese New Year to Chinese enterprises and nationals in Zambia. He thanked President Xi Jinping for having a telephone conversation with President Hakainde Hichilema last year, and thanked Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi for inviting him as the first African foreign minister to visit China since the outbreak of COVID-19. He sent a letter of congratulations to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang right after his appointment. He said the ever-strengthening friendship between the two countries will create more favourable conditions for Chinese investment in Zambia. The Minister and MP hoped that Chinese enterprises in the region can further expand investment and collaborate with local communities for mutual benefits.
Ambassador Du encouraged the Chinese enterprises to actively take a part in the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He urged them to comply with Zambia’s laws and regulations, promote production safety and blend in with local communities.
After learning the progress the enterprises has made, the challenges they are facing and the suggestions they put forward, Ambassador Du recognized the positive contributions that the Chinese business community has made to the bilateral friendship. He responded to the concerns of the companies and said that the Embassy will continue to communicate and cooperate with the Zambian Government to improve the business environment. The Ambassador also announced that the Embassy has since 9th January resumed face-to-face consular and visa service every weekday as before COVID-19.
