Zambia-China cultural cooperation a dream come – Shugang

Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang says Zambia-China cultural cooperation stands out as a role model for China-African cooperation.

The Chinese minister has also praised the visit of the Zambian tourism Minister Charles Banda, saying that the visit would elevate existing cultural relations between the two countries to a higher level.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Shugang said this during a meeting on the sidelines of the 6th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is currently underway in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

The Chinese Minister also agreed to the need for the two parties to expedite the process of finalizing the Cultural Agreement and called for more substance to be added to the framework so as to widen the scope of cooperation.

He further pledged that the Chinese Ministry of Culture will give all necessary support to ensure the success of the Zambia Week initiated by the Zambian Embassy and the Zambian government.

And the Zambian minister has acknowledged the significant role of the Chinese Government and Chinese companies in the transformation of infrastructure across Zambia.

He said that the Tamara Railway line has become part of Zambia’s cultural heritage highlighting her relations with China.

Mr. Banda further observed that culture is a cornerstone of every society and that efforts to protect a nation’s culture and heritage are important in order to have a strong nation that can be passed on to posterity.

The Kapoche lawmaker, said there is need for the two countries to finalize the review of the Implementation Programme for their Cultural Agreement for the period 2018 – 2024 following the expiry of the previous programme.

It is government’s deep appreciation for the offer by the Sichuan Provincial Government to host a one week promotional programme to be called the ‘Zambia Week’ later in July 2017, he said.

Mr. Banda re-affirmed that Zambia was making necessary preparations for this important culture and business promotion event.

The Zambian Mission in Beijing and the Sichuan Provincial Government are organizing a week-long series of exhibitions and business fora in Sichuan Province of China from 28th July to 3rd August 2017 to include among others; trade, investment and tourism promotion activities; launch of the twinning programme between Zambian and Chinese regions; display of Zambian cultural dances, art exhibitions, fashion shows, Zambian handicrafts etc.

Mr Banda is in China at the invitation of the Chinese Government to attend the international conference and give a key note speech as Guest of Honour at the forum.