- Deepening China-Zambia all-weather friendship
LAST week, representatives from China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission gathered in Changsha and attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ministerial coordinator’s meeting, where the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South was issued.
From this meeting, I am pleased to see that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the unstoppable trend of our times and the future of development.
In the face of frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying by a certain country for selfish gains, which has created severe difficulties for the world, China and African countries sent out a strong message for solidarity and cooperation of the Global South.
The message was sent through the Changsha Declaration, in the firm belief that countries should uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the United Nations-centred international system, defend
the World Trade Organisation-centred multilateral trading system and make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.
In particular, the international community should give prioritised attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries.
Development assistance to African countries should be increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people’s livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.
During the meeting, China announced that it will expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with it, to help quality products from Africa access the Chinese market.
For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, China will roll out further measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand promotion of quality products.
Through implementation of the 10 Partnership Actions of FOCAC, China and Africa will strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as green industries, e-commerce and digital payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, while expanding collaboration in security, finance and rule of law.
I believe these measures will substantially advance China-Africa economic and trade relations, accelerate the development of African countries and deliver tangible benefits to both Chinese and African peoples.
China and Zambia are all-weather friends and comprehensive strategic and cooperative partners.
Over the 60 years since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, the two countries have always upheld the principle of mutual respect, equality and common development.
In 2024, trade between China and Zambia reached US$6.703 billion, a 26.5 percent year-on-year growth.
Currently, over 600 Chinese companies are operating in Zambia, with an accumulative investment exceeding US$3.8 billion, creating more than 30,000 local jobs.
In recent years, substantial progress has been made in joint projects, such as the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, the expansion of Mfuwe International Airport, Kitumba Mine, Luanshya 28 Shaft, the 100MW Chisamba Solar Plant and Lubambe Mine deep shaft.
These are tangible projects that are boosting Zambia’s economic and social development and delivering real benefits to both countries and our peoples.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of FOCAC and the inaugural year for implementing the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit.
Under the FOCAC framework, China has assisted Zambia in projects such as sports facilities, hospitals, schools, agricultural technology demonstration centre, malaria control centre, small hydropower stations and photovoltaic power plants.
In early May this year, 108,300 doses of oral cholera vaccines donated by China arrived in Lusaka.
To address Zambia’s needs, China will further assist in constructing milling plants and water supply projects, while collaborating with Zambia to establish a cholera vaccine manufacturing plant through a joint venture and provide medical supplies for HIV/AIDS response.
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) is a household name in both countries, hailed as a monument of China-Africa friendship.
Currently, the negotiation for TAZARA revitalisation is making good progress and the project is expected to be launched within this year.
With the successful revitalisation of railway, Zambia will play a more important role as a land-linked country, with its advantage as a regional transportation hub further enhanced.
The TAZARA economic corridor will emerge and industrial parks, economic zones and new urban centres will spring up along the route.
Industries such as transportation and logistics, mining, agriculture, green energy and equipment manufacturing will flourish, creating a significant number of job opportunities and helping Zambia climb up the value chain and achieve prosperity for its people.
Inclusive cooperation represents the right way forward for the world, and mutual benefit meets the aspirations of the people.
No matter how the international situation evolves, China’s door to Zambia and Africa will only open wider.
I am confident that by advancing modernisation hand in hand, China and Zambia will further deepen the all-weather friendship and practical cooperation, jointly contributing to solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and a brighter future for our world.
The author is Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
