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The Zambian government has praised Chinese enterprises for being the country’s largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing over US$3 billion and creating more than 50,000 jobs.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Chipoka Mulenga, reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering an enabling investment environment that promoted industrialisation and value addition.
He said this in Lusaka on Tuesday during the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia (ACCZ) 20th Anniversary celebrations and the inauguration of the Association’s 8th Council at the Golden Peacock Hotel.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, as well as Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing.
“Over the last two decades, the ACCZ has proven to be a vital bridge between Zambia and China. As government, we place a premium on value addition across sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing in order to create sustainable jobs for our people,” Mulenga said.
He added that joint ventures and technology transfered remain central to Zambia’s growth agenda.
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador Han described 2025 as a landmark year, marking both the 20th anniversary of ACCZ and a new chapter in China-Zambia relations.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic transformation through major investments in infrastructure, energy, mining, and agriculture.
“In the first half of this year alone, China-Zambia trade reached US$3.56 billion, a 15.5 percent increase from last year, with Zambia recording a surplus of US$1.92 billion,” Han said.
He further highlighted China’s support for projects such as the revitalisation of the TAZARA Railway, the Chisamba solar power plant, and the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway.
Meanwhile, newly elected ACCZ Chairperson, Liao Jianfeng, pledged to deepen cooperation with government and local businesses, while ensuring responsible and sustainable investment.
“For twenty years, we have travelled a meaningful distance together. Tonight, we set our sights on the road ahead—one that we will walk side by side, with determination, respect, and unity,” Liao stated.
On his part, Minister Tayali commended the outgoing ACCZ leadership for strengthening economic ties between Zambia and China.
He congratulated the newly elected 8th Council and assured them of the government’s continued support.
“The government stands ready to support you in consolidating past achievements while embracing innovation as a driver of progress. Together, we will continue to advance Zambia’s vision of becoming a land-linked transport and logistics hub in Southern Africa,” Tayali said.
He also emphasised alternative financing models such as Public-Private Partnerships, blended finance, and diaspora bonds as critical tools to bridge the country’s infrastructure gap.
Both nations reaffirmed their shared vision of achieving lasting progress through unity, innovation, and mutual respect.
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