On 27th December, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ) Annual Conference 2024 and Business Forum was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka. Ambassador Mr. Han Jing and Counselor Mr. Jin Jun of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri MP, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Paul Kabuswe MP, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Mr. Peter Mumba, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Energy, Director of Transport Emg. Emmanuel Sampa representing the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Director General for the Zambia Development Agency, Director General of Immigration representing the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Public Private Dialogue Forum, Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), President of Zambian Association of Manufacturers, Representatives of various Chinese chambers and associations in Zambia, Representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises in Zambia, Members of CCCZ, Friends from the media attended the event. A total of approximately 300 guests were present. Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Mr. Chipoka Mulenga and Ambassador of China to Zambia Mr. Han Jing delivered important speeches, and Mr. Li Tie, President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia also gave a speech.
This Annual Conference 2024 and Business Forum comprised three parts: the General Membership Meeting and Council Meeting, CCCZ Business Forum and Reception, and a Corporate Exhibition.
The CCCZ Business Forum was held after the General Membership Meeting. In his opening speech, CCCZ President Li Tie summarized that in the past year, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia has lived up to its objectives, to a larger extent. With the support and care of the Zambian government and the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, it has actively built a communication platform for members and overseas Chinese enterprises through various activities, and strived to establish communication channels with government departments and local enterprises, to help the sustainable development of Chinese enterprises, and has made continuous efforts to create a good business environment for Chinese enterprises in Zambia and achieved positive results!
Mr. Li Tie analyzed some new changes in Zambia's business environment in 2024 and the new challenges faced by Chinese investors in Zambia. He emphasized that “although Zambia is still facing challenges of drought and power shortage, we are full of confidence in economic development in 2025 and in the future.” He also briefly reviewed the activities and work carried out by CCCZ over the past year and outlined the work goals for 2025. “In the new year, CCCZ will continue to uphold the purpose of the establishment of the Chamber, under the guidance and support of the Zambian government and the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, and with the joint efforts of the Standing Council and all members, closely communicate and cooperate with the Zambian government, carry out extensive cooperation with the Zambian and Chinese business communities, and contribute to the sustainable business growth of members, the expansion of China-Zambia economic, trade and investment cooperation, and the consolidation of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Zambia!”, he said.
Ambassador Han Jing noted that the year 2024 has been a landmark year in the development of China-Zambia relations. The 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries was celebrated, and the business cooperation in terms of mining, electricity, transportation and agriculture has yielded remarkable achievements. This September, President Hakainde Hichilema visited to China, where he met with President Xi Jinping and jointly participated in the Beijing Summit of FOCAC, charting a clear course for China-Zambia cooperation in the years ahead. Chinese-funded enterprises in Zambia, including members of CCCZ, have made positive contributions to promoting pragmatic cooperation between China and Zambia and promoting the development of China-Zambia relations. He emphasized that Chinese businesses are encouraged to continue to expand investment and cooperation in Zambia, operate in accordance with laws and regulations, and uphold the positive images, thereby serve as a bridge of advancing understanding and friendship between two nations.
In his keynote speech, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, M.P, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of the Republic of Zambia, said that since President Hakainde Hichilema's successful visit to China in September 2023 and the upgrading of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership together with President Xi Jinping, China-Zambia relations and pragmatic cooperation have developed rapidly. Chinese businesses have continued to increase their investments in Zambia in recent years. They are making positive contributions to Zambia's economic transformation, social development and improvement of people's livelihood. Zambia highly appreciates the Ten Partnership Actions proposed by President Xi Jinping at the Beijing Summit and is confident in the prospects of China-Zambia pragmatic cooperation. Zambia will listen carefully to the opinions and suggestions of Chinese-funded enterprises, and create a good business environment to welcome Chinese businesses to expand investments.
The Business Forum specially invited six keynote speakers, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, the representative of Minister of Transport and Logistics, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Energy, the representative of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the representative of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group)'s Luanshya Copper Mines, to discuss different topics. Mr. Shen Yaolin, Vice President of CCCZ, served as the moderator, hosting in both Chinese and English, seamlessly connecting each topic and allowing every participant in the audience to gain a lot.
Minister of Agriculture focused on the Second National Agricultural Investment Plan for 2024-2033 - the integrated Agricultural Transformation Support Programme, highlighting current popular investment opportunities in the agricultural sector and introducing relevant government preferential policies. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development elaborated on the government's efforts to revitalize existing mines, strengthen national geological surveys, and introduce targeted investment policies to attract more enterprise investment, aiming to achieve the national target of producing 3 million tons of copper metal annually by 2031. Director of Transport representing the Minister of Transport and Logistics, introduced current investment projects in the railway and aviation sectors and hoped that more investors would make all-round investments in Zambia's transport sector. Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Energy introduced and elaborated on investment opportunities in the energy sector brought about by the current national energy crisis due to drought. The government has allowed private enterprises to invest in energy supply, transmission and transformation lines, and smart power distribution, offering broad investment prospects in these areas.
Mr. Liao Jianfeng, General Manager of CCECC Southern Africa, gave a comprehensive explanation to the participants on the background of the revitalization project of the Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA) and the business opportunities it brings. Mr. Huang Rongman, Deputy General Manager of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group)'s Luanshya Copper Mines, shared the work and achievements made in localized procurement and localized talent training.
The panel discussion of the forum was lively, and participating Chinese enterprises expressed that they had gained a lot. They will continue to maintain close contact with various parties through CCCZ and conduct specific discussions and advancements on projects of interest to them.
The annual meeting was presided over by Mr. Huang Jibo, Executive Vice President of CCCZ. The meeting reviewed and approved the work report of the first council delivered by President of the Chamber Mr. Li Tie, the financial report presented by Acting Secretary-General of the Chamber Madam Zeng Xiaolin, and the work report of the supervisory board given by Supervisor-in-Chief of the Chamber Mr. Zhang Jun. It also reviewed and approved the addition of new council members. The council voted to approve the nominations of executive directors and vice president members.
In his thank-you speech at the forum, Mr. Zhang Jun, Supervisor-in-Chief of the Chamber said “with the successful conclusion of today's economic and trade forum, we have jointly witnessed the collision of wisdom and opportunities, and the deepening of friendship and cooperation. Today, we gather together to discuss major plans and seek common development. Every speech and remark shines with the light of wisdom, and every handshake has heralded a new chapter of cooperation.” He also emphasized that he wishes the all-weather friendship between China and Zambia, just like the warm atmosphere of this grand event, will last forever! He looks forward to gathering again in the near future to share the joy of success!
In his welcome speech at the reception, Mr. Lian Chao, Vice President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia and President of its Northern Branch, stated that in the past year, the Chamber has played a significant role in promoting China-Zambia cooperation and driving economic growth by strengthening the connection between the government and enterprises, integrating resources, and safeguarding the interests of enterprises. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Zambian government for providing a favorable investment environment and for their continuous efforts to improve it. He thanked Minister Chipoka Mulenga and other ministers and officials from relevant Zambian government departments for their recognition and strong support for the Chamber. Finally, he thanked the members and partners of the Chamber for their hard work and dedication, which have played a crucial role in promoting China-Zambia cooperation.
Ambassador Han Jing, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Peter Mumba, and CCCZ President Li Tie jointly presented awards to recognize outstanding enterprises from the CCCZ for their contributions in promoting China-Zambia economic and trade cooperation, business cooperation, employment advancement, and social responsibility, etc. Additionally, they awarded membership certificates to the local associate members.
