KITWE, Zambia, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The existing good bilateral relations between China and Zambia are witnessing an increase in Chinese investment in Zambia, according to Wang Xin, the Zambia China Association (ZCA) Copperbelt branch president.
Wang said there has been intensified marketing of Zambia in China as an investment destination, and Zambia's political stability has resulted in increased Chinese investment flow into the southern African country.
For instance, a good number of Chinese companies have invested in Zambia's multi-facility economic zone, which is contributing positively towards the economic growth of Zambia, Wang said.
Apart from the creation of jobs for locals, the Chinese business community is also ploughing back into the community through its Corporate Social Responsibility.
Of late, the community has been supplementing the Zambian government's efforts in the distribution of materials to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The ZCA has donated Personal Protective Equipment to the health personnel, the frontline staff in the Copperbelt province. The local authorities and security personnel were also among the beneficiaries of the donations from the ZCA meant to help in the fight against COVID-19.
The association has also funded the construction of an isolation ward for suspected COVID-19 patients at the Kitwe central hospital.
Wang said the Chinese business community is supporting the public in areas of their operations. "We need to co-exist as Chinese and Zambians to strengthen economic growth on the Copperbelt," he said.
Rashida Mulenga, Kalulushi Mayor, is happy that the Chinese investment has created jobs for the locals. "Apart from just creating jobs, the Chinese are also contributing to raising the standards of living by supporting various social development projects," she said.
Copperbelt provincial minister Japhen Mwakalombe appreciates the support from the Chinese and growing Chinese investment.
Mwakalombe has described the Chinese as good stakeholders who are committed to playing a role in the development of the nation.
China is contributing to the Zambian government's efforts in infrastructure development through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
"Zambia cannot lag behind in terms of cooperation and trade with China, the Chinese have the technology and skills which Zambians can tap into to improve the economy," the provincial minister said. Enditem
