The China-Zambia High-Quality Development Forum was successfully held in Lusaka, Zambia

发布时间：2024-05-15 22:00:00

发布人：中国在非企业社会责任联盟

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On May 15, 2024, the China-Zambia High-Quality Development Forum was grandly held at the Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. This forum is a significant event of the China-Zambia Economic and Trade Year and an important part of the preparations for the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. It was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and chemicals Importers&Exporters, and the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia. The event was supported by the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities, the Zambia Branch of Bank of China, and the Zambia Development Agency.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Also present at the conference were Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui, 18 Zambian Cabinet Ministers, Executive Chairman Diao Chunhhe, and Vice Chairman Liu Zhonghui of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities. Over 1,000 delegates including business leaders, representatives from international organizations, experts, and scholars gathered to discuss new-era cooperation between China and Zambia, injecting new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The event saw participation and exhibition from over 200 domestic enterprises from Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Chinese-funded enterprises in Zambia.

The forum opened solemnly with the national anthems of both countries. Representing their respective sides, speeches were delivered by Du Xiaohui, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia; Diao Chunhe, Executive Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities; Chen Guanfu, Chairman of POWERCHINA International Corporation; Mrs. Sheal Shacholi Mulyata, MP. Provincial Minister for Lusaka Province; and Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia.

Ambassador Du Xiaohui expressed that this forum is an important event to implement the consensus of the two countries' leaders, celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, and successfully organize the China-Zambia Economic and Trade Year. It is also a crucial part of preparing for the upcoming new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The aim is to promote high-quality development of cooperation between the two countries, advance together on the path of modernization, and build a high-level community of shared future between China and Africa.

Ambassador Du emphasized that currently China-Zambia cooperation should shift focus from "whether we have it" to "whether it is good", with a strategic focus on three directions: First, accumulate quantity to store energy for the leap in quality. Second, adhere to problem-oriented approaches to overcome obstacles in bilateral cooperation. Third, promote innovation spirit to explore new cooperation paths, platforms, and models.

Chairman Diao Chunhe stated that in recent years, guided by the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese enterprises have invested and developed in Zambia, leveraging complementary advantages to achieve mutual development and actively contribute to the high-quality development of China-Zambia cooperation. The Alliance will actively practice the concept of "Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits," building a service platform of "Industrial Cooperation + Social Responsibility + Shared Outcomes" for enterprises in Zambia. Together with all parties involved from China and Zambia, they aim to advance Chinese-Zambian investment cooperation towards higher levels, broader fields, and greater sustainability.

Chairman Chen Guanfu expressed gratitude for the long-term trust and support from the Zambian government towards POWERCHINA. He emphasized that POWERCHINA will actively implement the comprehensive cooperation consensus reached by the two heads of state during President Hichilema's visit to China last year. He stated that POWERCHINA is willing to take the success of this forum as an opportunity to continue deepening its roots in Zambia under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. POWERCHINA aims to contribute to the promotion of high-quality cooperation between China and Zambia and to the construction of a community of shared future in the new era between China and Zambia.

Provincial Minister Sheal Shacholi Mulyata emphasized that the convening of this conference holds significant milestone value within the enduring and robust cooperation between Zambia and China. She expressed hope that the Chinese friends attending today's conference would join efforts with Zambia to explore opportunities, discuss cooperation, and jointly inject momentum into China-Zambia cooperation. Lusaka Province is willing to engage in productive exchanges with all parties to promote cooperation in various fields, achieve innovation, and foster sustainable development.

Minister Chipoka Mulenga expressed great honor to participate in this grand event aimed at promoting economic cooperation between Zambia and China. He emphasized that this forum will further strengthen the economic and trade relations between Zambia and China, promote practical cooperation, and achieve high-quality development. The Zambian government is committed to providing a conducive business environment and incentive policies, and warmly welcomes investors to choose Zambia. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry will focus on optimizing the local manufacturing supply chain, adding value to products, and engaging in dialogue and cooperation with Chinese investors in areas such as agro-processing, green energy, industrial parks, and sustainable development.

President Hichilema delivered the keynote speech at the conference, highlighting significant points. He began by noting his state visit to China in September last year at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, during which they jointly decided to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and designate 2024 as the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Year. Today's forum is an important step in implementing the outcomes of that visit. He expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government, and people for their strong support to Zambia's national development. He acknowledged Zambia's current challenges, particularly the drought, and emphasized that practical cooperation with China is helping Zambia overcome these challenges. Besides, he encouraged businesses from both countries to leverage this forum to explore cooperation opportunities. He specifically called on Chinese enterprises to increase investments in Zambia, enhance industrial value addition, and create more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Zambian youth. President Hichilema stressed the importance of high-quality development in addressing climate change challenges together, ensuring food and energy security for both nations.

In the presence of President Hichilema and Ambassador Du Xiaohui, Vice Chairman Liu Zhonghui presided over the release of the "Blue Book on 'One Hundred Enterprises and One Thousand Villages' Benefits shared with Africa - Zambia Version". This publication vividly illustrates the deep friendship and mutual support between China and Zambia, as well as the proactive efforts of Chinese enterprises in fulfilling social responsibilities. These efforts have significantly contributed to improving the well-being of the Zambian people.

During the forum's opening ceremony, significant cooperation agreements were signed. The Alliance signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ) and the Zambia Chinese Association. These agreements outline collaborative efforts in promoting industries, conducting research, enhancing capabilities, sharing information, and maintaining communication. Together, they aim to establish platforms that combine "industrial cooperation + social responsibility + shared outcomes" for Chinese-invested enterprises in Zambia, thereby supporting high-quality development in China-Zambia economic and trade investment cooperation.

Additionally, 19 cooperation projects were synchronously signed, including strategic cooperation agreements between China's Sinohydro Foundation Engineering and China National State Farm for the Mansa 25MW Photovoltaic Power Station project, and between Zambia Jiangxi Joint Industrial Investment Ltd and Jiangxi Copper (Zambia) Photovoltaic Ltd for the wire and cable production project. These agreements mark significant steps forward in enhancing economic ties and mutual development between China and Zambia.

Following the announcement of the signed agreements at the forum, Economic and Commercial Counselor Liu Guoyu from the Chinese Embassy in Zambia reported that the total value of cooperation agreements reached 1.03 billion USD, covering sectors crucial to economic development and livelihood improvement such as energy, mining, infrastructure construction, and agriculture. Specifically, agreements in the energy sector amounted to 683 million USD, mining sector agreements totaled 290 million USD, and agreements in infrastructure construction and agriculture amounted to 58 million USD.

After the signing ceremony, President Hichilema, accompanied by various cabinet ministers, toured the indoor and outdoor exhibition areas of the China-Zambia Industrial Cooperation Enterprises Exhibition. They also visited the exhibition showcasing the achievements of Chinese enterprises in fulfilling their social responsibilities, marking the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Zambia and China.

The forum was structured around seven parallel thematic forums focusing on clean energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, RMB internationalization, SME development, and the revitalization of the TAZARA Railway, each hosting specialized discussions:

Clean Energy Forum:Hosted by POWERCHINA, this forum explored new pathways for sustainable development through the leadership of green and clean energy.
Mining Forum:Co-hosted by China Nonferrous Group and the Zambian Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, this forum systematically discussed advancing the green transformation and upgrading of the mining industry to empower high-quality development in China-Zambia industrial cooperation.
Agriculture Forum:Organized by China National Agricultural Development Group, this forum delved into methods for achieving ecological harmony and sustainable development through green and water-saving agriculture.
Infrastructure Forum:Hosted by China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group, this forum focused on the critical aspects of infrastructure development and talent empowerment in China-Zambia cooperation.
RMB Internationalization Forum:Organized by the Bank of China Zambia Branch, this forum aimed to facilitate RMB settlement facilitation, thereby strongly supporting the high-quality development of China-Zambia cooperation.
SME Development Forum:Hosted by the Zambia Chinese Business Association, this forum actively shared experiences and practices to promote the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises through cooperation and partnerships.
TAZARA RailwayReactivation Forum: Organized by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), this forum aimed to plan the activation of the TAZARA Railway and pave the way for future regional cooperation development.

These thematic forums provided specialized platforms for in-depth discussions and collaborations across various sectors, contributing to the advancement of China-Zambia bilateral relations and economic cooperation.

The activities of the forum were covered and broadcasted by several media outlets from China and Zambia, including Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television (CCTV), Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), and President Hichilema's official Facebook page.