Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. The meeting was part of Hichilema’s state visit to China, which is strategically planned to include visits to local authorities, various captains of industry, potential investors, and businesses in four provinces of China.
Hichilema said that he eagerly anticipated an engaging and productive program with Xi Jinping and his delegation.
As part of his visit, Hichilema also participated in the Zambia-China Investment and Tourism Promotion Conference at Jinggangshan Convention Center on Thursday. The forum, facilitated by the Zambia Development Agency, showcased Zambia’s huge business potential, opportunities, and its resource endowment.
Hichilema said that the economic modernization model employed by China holds great relevance for Zambia as both nations come from the background of underdevelopment. He encouraged the hundreds of Chinese businesses that attended the symposium to invest in Zambia, taking advantage of the nation’s peace, stability, and rich resource endowment, particularly in critical minerals like manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Additionally, they can benefit from Zambia’s strategic land-linked and central position to market their products within the region and beyond.
Hichilema also urged Chinese airlines to consider launching direct flights to Zambia to facilitate regular business contacts.
