Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is visiting China from September 10 to 16 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. This visit marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Zambia and China, which dates back to Zambia’s independence in 1964.
The meeting between the two heads of state aims to deepen the decades-long diplomatic relationship guided by mutual benefit, good faith, and fruitful cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, infrastructure development, mining, and agriculture.
Over the past 26 years, trade between China and Zambia has seen substantial growth. According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity, China’s exports to Zambia increased from $20.2 million in 1995 to $951 million in 2021, while Zambian exports to China rose from $1.73 million to $2.26 billion in the same period. Key commodities traded include refined copper, raw copper, coated flat-rolled iron, tractors, and raw tobacco.
This robust trade relationship has been a major driver of growth for both countries, particularly amid global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions in supply chains. In 2021, Zambia’s economy rebounded with a real GDP growth of 4.6 percent, recovering from a contraction of 2.8 percent in 2020. Trade with China played a crucial role in this recovery.
Despite recent challenges in agriculture, mining, and construction, Zambia’s economic outlook remains positive. President Hichilema’s visit to China focuses on enhancing cooperation to address these challenges and further unlock growth potential. Emphasizing policy reforms and private sector-led growth, both countries aim to broaden the base of GDP growth and ensure fiscal sustainability.
Chinese enterprises in Zambia are exploring new models of practical cooperation with their African counterparts, aiming to enhance manufacturing and value addition capacities across key sectors. With China’s support, Zambia’s recovery is expected to strengthen, with GDP projected to expand by 4.5 percent per year over 2023-2025.
The deepening of China-Zambia relations not only signifies a commitment to mutual prosperity but also exemplifies the enduring friendship between the two nations. As all-weather friends, their collaboration continues to contribute positively to the socio-economic development of both countries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
