On February 2, 2024, Ambassador Du Xiaohui hosted the Opening Ceremony of the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation 2024 and the Chinese New Year Reception in the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. Hon. Chipoka Mulenga,  Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, representing H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. John Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary of MCTI, representatives from Zambia Development Agency, Zambian businesses, Chinese businesses, Chinese community, Chinese Military Medical Expert Team, and Chinese Medical Team, gathered together to celebrate the Chinese New Year and congratulate on the opening of the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation.

Ambassador Du extended Chinese New Year greetings to the guests and stressed that the year of 2023 witnessed an upgrade of China-Zambia bilateral relations. President Xi Jinping and President Hakainde Hichilema decided in September 2023 to elevate the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and designated 2024 as the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation, and the Year of Culture and Tourism. The year of 2024 also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Zambia.

Ambassador Du said that by combining the two events, we aim at celebrating the upcoming Year of the Dragon with hardwork in the hope that it will be another big year for China-Zambia relations and robust business cooperation. Hardwork, unity and vision are what it takes to bring about the big year. As a Chinese saying goes, clouds always come with dragon, that is, the auspicious clouds herald a auspicious Year of the Dragon. I sincerely hope that all of you seize the opportunities presented by China, China-African and China-Zambia cooperation, work together towards a prosperous New Year of the Dragon.

Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry read the congratulatory message from H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema, extending to H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China and all Chinese people warm wishes for a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Zambia and China. Over the past 60 years, the friendship forged by two countries’ founding leaders, has stood the test of time and the ever-changing international landscape. In the new era, the China-Zambia friendship has continued to flourish, beaming with new vitality. Mutual respect, equality-footing and common development, has always been important principles guiding China-Zambia relations. The bilateral trade volume has consistently hit record highs. China-Zambia relations has become a model for South-South cooperation. Wish the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation great success, with deepening economic and trade cooperation, expanding investment from Chinese businesses to create more jobs and contribute to Zambia’s economic and social development.

The Embassy is brimmed with the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. A video made to promote the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation was played. Guests are eager to participate in this economic and trade extravaganza and  contribute to the bilateral relations.