LUSAKA, Aug. 26 — The implementation of a comprehensive zero-tariff policy covering all tariff lines has significantly boosted bilateral trade between China and Zambia, a Chinese government official has said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing said that trade volumes between the two countries reached 3.56 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2025, representing a 15.5 percent increase year on year.
He noted that Zambia recorded a trade surplus of 1.92 billion dollars during the same period. Speaking at the eighth Council Inaugural Ceremony of the Association of Chinese Corporation in Zambia (ACCZ) on Monday, Han said that the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership has strengthened mutual trust and yielded further benefits from cooperation.
Han noted that since its establishment in 2005, ACCZ members have become key players across various sectors and major contributors to Zambia’s economic development, as Chinese enterprises under the ACCZ have invested more than 5 billion dollars in Zambia and created over 20,000 local jobs.
He added that the enterprises remain confident in Zambia’s development potential and plan to continue expanding their investments.
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali commended Chinese enterprises for playing a pivotal role in driving Zambia’s economic development.
He said Chinese investment has been particularly instrumental in infrastructure development. “The results of Chinese investment are visible, from job creation, technology transfer, and skills development to the growth of local industries,” Tayali noted.
Tayali further praised Chinese enterprises for their role in modernizing infrastructure such as airports and roads, key components of Zambia’s vision to become a transport and logistics hub in the southern African region.
He also acknowledged that Zambia still faces a significant infrastructure gap, calling on Chinese investors to take advantage of ongoing public-private partnership opportunities in infrastructure development.
Liao Jianfeng, newly elected ACCZ chairperson, pledged that the association would promote responsible and forward-looking investment to ensure projects deliver mutual benefits.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and human connections, noting that cooperation between the two countries should be rooted not just in trade, but also in friendship and shared understanding. (Xinhua)
