Chinese investment in Zambia yields mutual benefits

China-Zambia partnership is delivering tangible benefits for Zambians in many ways, expressing Zambia's gratitude for the collaboration and its optimistic outlook for future expansion, the Zambian president said.

Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony of a Chinese-invested copper mine project in Chililabombwe, Hakainde Hichilema highly hailed the bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and benefits.

"China-Zambia partnership is working. It's seen, not just talked about, through these projects and many other investments," he said. "Many can talk, but very few get things done. And this partnership is delivering, in many ways."

"Someone was asking me, why do you talk about the comprehensive, strategic, and cooperative partnership between China and Zambia? I said that I talk about it because it is delivering, and the delivery is visible."

Hichilema said the China-Zambia partnership means mutual respect, shared vision and a shared future, while praising the contributions of Chinese investors to Zambia's economic and social development.

"For ordinary people, they see this partnership through jobs. The community sees it in the supplier opportunities and contractors," he said. "We do appreciate and value our partnership, and we want it to continue growing."

Hichilema made the comments on Friday at a groundbreaking ceremony for the deep ore body project of Lubambe Copper Mine, which is invested by China's JCHX Mining. JCHX acquired the mine, previously owned by an Australian company, last year, aiming to significantly increase the copper production of Zambia.

The investment came at a time when Zambia, a major copper producer, is actively seeking to increase production of the metal to meet the growing global demand for copper.

Wang Qinghai, chairman at JCHX, stated that the company's purchase of the mine reflects its confidence in investing in Zambia and that it will promote sustainable mining through innovation and cooperation with other partners.

Han Jing, the Chinese ambassador to Zambia, said at the ceremony that the revival of the mine is expected to bring significant investment to Zambia and create nearly 2,000 job opportunities. He also hailed China-Zambia relations and pledged more Chinese investment in the country.

"We are proud to say that the China-Zambia relationship is at its best, a success story in the relations between China and African countries. Such a success wouldn't have been possible without the contribution of numerous business players and joint projects," he said.

In a world of rapid geopolitical changes and rising unilateralism and protectionism, despite a global economic downturn, China will continue to support and encourage businesses to invest in Zambia and share development opportunities, he said.