On 30th November, H.E. Mr. Li Jie, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, met with Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance. They had an exchange of views on China-Zambia practical cooperation.

Ambassador Li congratulated Hon. Musokotwane for his appointment, and said that the traditional friendship between China and Zambia stands long and grows stronger over time. With the joint efforts of both parties, China-aided projects including milling plants, the reconstruction and expansion of Levy Mwanawasa Hospital, and the International Conference Center are progressing smoothly. It is hoped that the Zambian side will coordinate and promote the completion and delivery of various projects on schedule to benefit the Zambian people as soon as possible. Additionally, China has pledged to donate another 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Zambia to support Zambia's fight against the epidemic.

Ambassador Li said that after Zambia ranked first for Chinese investment destination in Africa for 3 consecutive years, China will continue to encourage companies to invest in Zambia. China is willing to expand bilateral trade with Zambia and actively explore the feasibility of exporting more Zambian agricultural products to China. The economic and trade cooperation zones invested and constructed by China has made an important platform for Zambia to attract investment and promote technology transfer. It is hoped that Zambia will continue to provide policy support in taxation, energy and labor for economic and trade cooperation zones.

Ambassador Li said that Zambia is one of the main beneficiaries of practical cooperation under the FOCAC. President Xi Jinping just delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference, proposing that China will work closely with African countries to implement the "Nine Programs." China and Zambia should take this opportunity to continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation.

Hon. Musokotuwane said that Zambia is grateful for China's long-term support and assistance. With original development path unsustainable, the new government has prioritized promoting economic growth and resolving debt problems, and hopes to attract investment from all parties, including China, to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Zambia will maintain communication with China on specific issues such as the progress of practical cooperation projects and debt issues.