In a recent visit to Changsha City in Hunan Province, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera expressed his optimism about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its potential to transform Malawi’s economy. Speaking during an interview with CGTN host Zheng Junfeng, President Chakwera highlighted the significant progress in China-Malawi relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2007.
“The BRI is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a catalyst for achieving our national goals,” President Chakwera stated. He emphasized that the initiative could help Malawi transition from a land-locked to a land-linked country, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment.
Since signing a memorandum of understanding on the BRI in March 2022, Malawi has embarked on a new journey of cooperation with China. The two nations have witnessed rapid development and fruitful collaboration in various fields, including infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare.
President Chakwera believes that the partnership with China will facilitate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the Malawian people. “By connecting Malawi to global markets, we can stimulate economic activity and create jobs,” he said. “The BRI offers us a pathway to integrate with the broader regional and international economy.”
The Malawian leader’s visit underscores the strengthening ties between China and African nations. As the BRI continues to expand, countries like Malawi are poised to benefit from increased connectivity and shared development goals.
