Economy

Govt restates commitment to secure investment climate, hails Chinese business community as key partner

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Government says it remains committed to maintaining a secure, stable and predictable investment environment, describing the Chinese business community as an essential partner in Zambia’s economic diversification and value-addition agenda.

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialisation, Crusivia Hichilumba, said Chinese investment continued to play a critical role across several sectors, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, energy and real estate.

Speaking on Friday evening during the fourth anniversary celebrations of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ), Hichilumba commended the chamber for its diverse membership, noting that it reflected Zambia’s economic landscape through participation in key productive sectors.

Established in January 2022, the CCCZ is marking four years of promoting what both countries describe as “win-win” cooperation between Zambia and China.

Read more: Government reaffirms target of 6.4% economic growth in 2026, targets equitable development across sectors

Hichilumba congratulated the chamber on the milestone, adding that its footprint also extended to construction and trade logistics.

He assured the business community that Zambia remained a peaceful and welcoming investment destination, despite isolated security concerns.

“Government is working with relevant institutions to strengthen public safety for residents and investors alike, while recognising Chinese investment as a key driver of economic growth,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed government’s dedication to economic diversification, industrialisation and trade expansion, emphasising that Zambia’s long-term vision was to transition from exporting primary commodities to exporting value-added products produced from its natural resources.

He further encouraged the Chinese private sector to move from merely identifying investment opportunities to implementing tangible projects, particularly in digital innovation, energy and manufacturing.

Earlier, CCCZ president Li Tie expressed gratitude to government for its continued trust and support, highlighting the open-door policy, responsiveness to business concerns and ongoing improvements to the business environment. He said these efforts had strengthened China-Zambia economic and trade relations.

Tie noted that the chamber still had room for improvement, particularly in enhancing member services, strengthening industrial chain coordination and expanding its brand influence—areas that will form core priorities in the coming year.

Meanwhile, Zambia Revenue Authority Acting Commissioner-General Timothy Milambo urged CCCZ members to take advantage of the Compliance Partnership Programme (CPP).

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Acting Commissioner of Customs Beatrice Kachinda, Milambo said the CPP promoted transparency, cooperation and proactive compliance, offering companies improved engagement with ZRA, greater predictability and reduced friction in tax administration.

He added that predictability in tax treatment strengthened investment decisions and minimised disputes, enabling businesses to plan confidently under clear and consistent tax policies.

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