Zambian President to Strengthen Ties and Explore Investment Opportunities
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema will undertake a working visit to the People’s Republic of China from August 30 to September 7, 2024. The primary purpose of this visit is to attend the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024.
Summit Focus and Key Engagements
The FOCAC Summit, held every three years, will be convened under the theme “Joining Forces to Promote Modernisation and Build a High-level China-Africa Community of a Shared Future.” President Hichilema will join other African and Chinese leaders in discussions aimed at advancing common growth and mutual development.
On September 4, President Hichilema will have a pivotal bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China. This meeting is expected to further solidify the strong bilateral relations between Zambia and China, which are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties this year. During the visit, the two leaders, along with President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, will witness the signing of an Investment Framework for the revitalisation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). Later that day, President Hichilema will also attend the Zambia Power Development Forum at the Power China Headquarters.
Strategic Meetings and Investments
The President’s schedule includes additional strategic meetings with government officials and investors on the margins of the Summit. Notably, a bilateral discussion is planned with representatives from the China Railway Construction Corporation and the China-Non-Ferrous Metals Corporation on September 3, 2024, in Beijing. These engagements are aimed at unlocking new opportunities for investment and collaboration across key sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and mining.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
This visit is particularly significant as it builds on the Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership established between Zambia and China, which was elevated during President Hichilema’s State Visit to China in September 2023. The upcoming trip is expected to reinforce Zambia’s ties with China and foster new partnerships that align with Zambia’s socio-economic development goals.
President Hichilema’s participation in these international engagements underscores his administration’s commitment to accelerating socio-economic development and creating equitable opportunities for the Zambian people.
President Hichilema is scheduled to return to Zambia immediately following his engagements in China.
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
29th August, 2024
