14th January 2025
NORTHERN PROVINCE Kasama
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Han Jing, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s road infrastructure development in order to enhance connectivity within the country and to other African countries.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bernard Mpundu, Ambassador Han Jing acknowledged President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to make Zambia a hub for the African continent and stated that China is ready to support this cause.
Ambassador Han Jing explained that China’s growing interest in Zambia’s infrastructure development also boarders on strengthening cooperation in the transport sector and explore opportunities for collaboration, including the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway line.
He said that with China’s support, Zambia is poised to become a major transportation hub in southern Africa, enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade within the region.
“I know that President Hakainde Hichilema has a strong intention to shift the disadvantages of this country into advantages, so we see that through the revitalization of TAZARA and construction of the LOBITO corridor that continental channel might be formed, he said.”
Ambassador Han Jing also assured that China will engage more investors to support the agriculture sector especially in northern province.
He acknowledged the vast land and good soil for agricultural practices in the province.
“We hope that we could attract more investors to mobilize resources to promote both the fisheries and agriculture sector, actually agriculture is one of the key areas of cooperation between China and Zambia, he said.”
Meanwhile, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Mr. Bernard Mpundu appealed to the Ambassador to also consider investing in the water transport on Lake Tanganyika and the expansion of Mpulungu harbor as it will promote trade between Zambia and the great lakes region including east African countries.
“The potential is huge, eastern Congo and these other countries come to Zambia for trade, and our collaboration with China is meant to see to it that Mpulungu harbor is expanded” the Permanent Secretary said.”
And the Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that investors will explore opportunities in agriculture, tourism and many other sectors.
Issued by:
Sandra Mulenga
Northern Province Principal Public Relations Officer.
