By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
THE Chinese government has pledged to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Zambia especially in the area of mining.
Visiting China vice Minister from the Ministry of Land and Resources Zhong Ziran said his government would continue to support Zambia’s development agenda, particularly in the mining sector.
“China and Zambia maintain good relations which are for a long term in our mutual benefit in terms of trade and cooperation.
“I have come to Zambia to strengthen the cooperation in terms of geology and mineral resources and we will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect between China Geological Survey and Zambia Geological Survey,” he said.
Dr Zhong said this when he arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday.
While in Zambia, Dr Zhong will tour the Chinese mining projects on the Copperbelt province and a geological mapping programme that has been going.
He is also expected to have bilateral talks with government officials and will sign a geological agreement with the Zambian Ministry of Mines on Monday April 11, 2016.
Mines and Mineral Development deputy Minister Richard Musukwa said the Chinese government had continued to support Zambia’s mining industry as demonstrated by the huge investment in sector.
Mr Musukwa said China’s firm commitment in developing the geological mapping data base for Zambia would help stimulate growth in the exploration of minerals in the country.
“The Government of Zambia is very delighted with the investment portfolio the Chinese Government has continued to put into our Zambian economy. We are extremely grateful that our friends from
China through their government have actually provided technical assistance in terms of geologically helping us to map the country,” Mr Musukwa said.