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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema convened a crucial meeting this morning with the Bank of China (BOC) focused on operationalizing key priority areas established during his state visit to China.
The discussions, led by BOC’s Executive Vice President Lin Jingzhen, and attended by Chinese Ambassador Du Xiaohui among other high officials from Zambia and China.
President Hichilema emphasized the importance of leveraging the Bank’s financial expertise to enhance Zambia’s economic growth.
He expressed optimism about strengthening the comprehensive strategic collaborative relationship, aiming to deepen trade and economic ties between the two nations.
“Our two countries must work together to strengthen the implementation of the content mentioned in the communique to strengthen cooperation,” said President Hichilema.
The primary areas of focus included mining, the service industry, inclusive finance, and fostering Zambia’s processing and manufacturing sector to position the country as a regional manufacturing hub.
Executive Vice President Lin Jingzhen affirmed BOC’s commitment, saying, “Bank of China Zambia is the only Chinese bank operating here, and we are very excited and encouraged to see the deepening ties between the two countries.”
Lin presented the bank’s commitment to using its global strength to facilitate economic and trade ties.
The bank, being the world’s fourth-largest, pledged to support the joint settlement of currency and contribute to the development of the region.
Chinese Ambassador Zhu Xiaohui expressed confidence in the China Zambia Relations throughout the 26 years of operation in Zambia.
Meanwhile President Hichilema highlighted the joint communique signed during his September visit to China, signaling an upgraded partnership into a comprehensive strategic and cooperative relationship.
He expressed optimism about turning the agreement into actionable projects that benefit both nations.
In response, Lin expressed readiness to support the economic growth of Zambia and other African countries, leveraging its financial expertise.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba December 5, 2023
