During a courtesy visit recently, Ambassador Han Jing of the People’s Republic of China paid a call on Hon. Frank Tayali, Zambian Minister of Transport and Logistics, in a major move to have closer China-Zambia relations. In this respect, the meeting underpinned the long-term intentions of both countries to contribute toward increased bilateral cooperation in terms of general infrastructure development and to base the major area of China-Zambia relations on this sector.
He said the development of infrastructure is a key catalyst for cooperation between China and Zambia, and his country views it as part of economic growth and social advancement and not just as an upgrading of physical connectivity. Ambassador Han thanked the Zambian Ministry of Transport and Logistics for its long-term and unwavering support of the various China Road and Bridge activities.
He, therefore, said China will continue to increase commitments to further strengthen cooperation under the FOCAC. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was established in 2000. It is an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism for promoting practical cooperation between China and African countries. Thus, through him, China showed the desire to go further, invigorating even this collaboration with Zambia, especially the advancement of major construction projects that will give a facelift to Zambia’s infrastructure.
Minister Frank Tayali said he was glad to welcome Ambassador Han and that the two countries have shared a long-lasting, very strong friendship. The minister acknowledged the roles that have been played in supporting the development of the infrastructure system in Zambia by China lending support to the country for years. The Minister said the high level of improved infrastructure that the Chinese support has impacted Zambia has stimulated the country’s economic and social development and laid a firm foundation for the possible development of the country.
One of the flagship projects that came up for discussion is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority, popularly known as TAZARA Railway. The TAZARA Railway was constructed in the country during the 1970s with the assistance of the Chinese people and acts as a milestone project and symbol of China-Zambia friendship. Minister Tayali expressed his hope that the vital railway would soon be revitalized under the Belt and Road Initiative. This BRI is a Chinese initiative that has aimed, since its inception in 2013, to further enhance global trade by promoting faster economic growth across the Asian subcontinent and beyond through the establishment of international trade routes somewhat similar to the historic Silk Route.
Minister Tayali said the revival of the TAZARA Railway would boost not only the transport and logistics sector of Zambia but also bring great benefits at the grassroots level. The railway was a key artery seen to boost trade and economic integration between Zambia and other neighboring countries, pursuant to consolidating regional development and prosperity.
Ambassador Han said he assured the minister of the continuous support by the Chinese Embassy for the realization of these initiatives, which he said were of great importance to both governments and people in assuring that all the projects are successfully implemented. He assured that the embassy remained more deeply committed to finding ways to deepen their bilateral cooperation, as this has been a hallmark of the China-Zambia relationship for decades.
