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President Hakainde Hichilema will undertake a state visit to China from September 10 to 16, 2023 .
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Stanley Kakubo, says President Hichilema who would be accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, has been invited by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
In a statement obtained by the Zambia Monitor, Kakubo said the President’s visit was significant as it was aimed at reinforcing the excellent long-standing bilateral relations and cooperation between Zambia and China.
“It will build on the previously held key discussions between the two leaders, with the recent engagement having occurred during the China – Africa Roundtable on the margins of the BRICS Summit in South Africa,” the Minister said.
Kakubo further stated that the visit offers an opportunity for Zambia and China to deepen cooperation in trade and investment.
“This visit will also create an opportunity for various Zambian sectors to meet with their Chinese counterparts and deepen cooperation in trade and investment,” Kakubo said.
The Minister added that President Hichilema and his Chinese counterpart would over see the signing of bilateral agreements in different sectors.
“During the visit, President Hichilema will hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping premised on areas of mutual interest at bilateral and multilateral levels, including Chinese investments in key sectors of the Zambian economy such as energy, infrastructure, mining and manufacturing, among others.
“As a key highlight of the visit, President Hichilema and President Xi Jinping will oversee the signing of Bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in various areas including economic cooperation and investment, which will set the foundation for practical results,” he said.
President Hichilema is expected to hold meetings with key policy makers including the Chinese Premier, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and the respective Leaderships of Shenzhen City, Jiangxi Province and Fujian Province.
Other items on the itinerary the Minister said included attending an investment and tourism promotion fora in Jiangxi Province and Beijing where captains of industry from Zambia will be in attendance.
Kakubo added that the President would undertake a tour of a poverty reduction village which showcases China’s success in transforming villages into towns and cities with access to all the necessary amenities.
He noted that through the President’s high level engagements, Zambia was expected to benefit from China’s experience in development and management of economic zones and the transformation of ordinary towns and villages into economically viable cities.
Hichilema is expected to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements.
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