2023 was an exceptional year in the history of China-Zambia relations. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Hakainde Hichilema paid a successful State Visit to China in September. The two Heads of State decided to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership. The Joint Statement issued therewith comprehensively reflects the important consensus reached by the two Heads of State and the fruitful results of the State Visit. It has covered all aspects of China-Zambia relations and drawn a blueprint for the medium- and long-term development of our relations and practical cooperation.

In 2023, China’s economy had been steadily recovering and turning for the better. China remains the most powerful engine of global economic growth, and generated one-third of global growth within the year. In the first three quarters of 2023, China’s GDP grew by 5.2% year-on-year, which was among the highest growth rate among major economies of the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised China’s GDP growth forecast for 2023 to 5.4% from the previous 5%, and also raised its GDP growth forecast for 2024. And the OECD raised China’s GDP growth forecast for 2023 to 5.2 %. The overall Chinese economy, blessed by its strong resilience, enormous potential and ample room for maneuver, remains promising, and it will remain so in the long run. We have strong confidence in, and even more capability of achieving long-term and stable growth, and through our development we will continue to provide China-Zambia cooperation with new growth momentum and opportunities.

2024 is another big year for China-Zambia relations. It marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 60th anniversary of Zambia’s independence and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Zambia. It is also the Year of Business Cooperation as well as the Year of Culture and Tourism designated by the two Heads of State. A series of commemorative activities will be held, which will inject new momentum into the development of our bilateral relations. I encourage social organizations of two countries to seize the opportunity, give full play to their unique strengths and continue to promote cultural exchanges and practical cooperation between the two countries. I encourage Chinese businesses to expand investment in Zambia, create more jobs, fulfill their social responsibilities, and contribute to Zambia’s economic and social development while achieving their own growth. I encourage Zambian SMEs to seize the opportunity of the upgraded bilateral relationship, take advantage of the Chinese market, the world’s largest this century, partner with their Chinese counterparts and work to increase export to China and mutual investment for win-win results. And I encourage the Zambian government departments to introduce more favourable policies and attract more Chinese companies to establish their businesses in Zambia. 

The all-weather friendship between China and Zambia was forged by our founding fathers Chairman Mao Zedong and President Kenneth Kaunda, and painstakingly cultivated by successive leaders of the two countries, especially President Xi Jinping and President Hakainde Hichilema. In the new era, the China-Zambia friendship has continued to flourish, beaming with new vitality. Mutual respect, equality and common development have always been important principles guiding China-Zambia relations. I believe that under the leadership of the two Heads of State and with the active participation of people from all sectors, China-Zambia relations will reach a new height in 2024, and our Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership will bear more fruitful results and truly benefit our two countries and two peoples!

I wish our two peoples a happy and prosperous New Year!