Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga says China should not be viewed as a threat to African economies but a partner willing to engage on mutually beneficial terms.
Mr Mulenga, emphasised that Zambia remains open to doing business with all countries, including China, Western nations among others, as long as such collaborations promote Zambia’s economic interests and create jobs for the Zambian people.
The Minister explained that Zambia’s experience has shown that the key to successful partnerships lies in setting clear national priorities and negotiating agreements that promote value addition and economic growth.
Mr Mulenga said this when responding to a question from a South African entrepreneur Young Stein whose company manufactures emergency vehicles, and sought the Minister’s
position on Chinese investment in Africa at the just ended Africa Trade Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa.
“When it comes to China, we have learned that they are willing to work with us if we present a clear vision and conditions,” Mr Mulenga said.
He added that Zambia is committed to working with investors who share the country’s vision for sustainable economic growth and development.
Mr Mulenga emphasized that the government has since shifted its focus towards value addition and industrial development.
“As a result, positive outcomes are already being witnessed through various businesses established in Zambia by Chinese investors, including a fertilizer plant, a battery manufacturing plant, and the soon-to-be recommissioned Mulungushi Textiles,” he said.
This was made available in a statement issued to the media in Lusaka by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Public Relations Unit.
