By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, has called on Chinese business houses operating in Zambia to strengthen responsible investment, enhance cooperation with local stakeholders and play a more proactive role in supporting the country’s economic and social development.
Speaking during the China New Year Celebrations held in Lusaka on Friday evening, Ambassador Jing emphasized that Chinese enterprises remain key partners in advancing the China–Zambia Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.
“2025 recorded significant milestones in bilateral cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture and trade, driven by outcomes of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and high-level engagements between the two governments.
Ambassador Han urged Chinese business associations to build strong and inclusive institutions that attract wider membership and enhance their influence.
He encouraged them to act as effective bridges between businesses and the Zambian Government by communicating policy concerns, including on taxation, and promoting the positive impact of China–Zambia cooperation.
The Ambassador further stressed the importance of compliance with Zambian laws, workplace safety, labour rights protection and environmental standards, noting that corporate social responsibility is essential to fostering goodwill within local communities.
He cited the launch of the 2025 White Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility of Chinese Enterprises in Zambia as a positive step towards shared growth, and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would deliver greater development benefits for both nations as they enter 2026.
At the same event, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali, , noted that the event symbolized both the ushering in of 2026 and the enduring friendship between Zambia and China, anchored in mutual respect and shared development.
Mr. Tayali reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening Zambia–China cooperation in transport, logistics, infrastructure and economic development.
“Zambia and China continue to enjoy a robust and productive relationship across transport, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining and technology.”
“The Zambian Government remains committed to partnerships that drive economic transformation, job creation and technology transfer,” Mr. Tayali stressed.
The Minister described the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Revitalization Project as a cornerstone of Zambia–China cooperation and regional integration.
“The project will modernize railway infrastructure, introduce new rolling stock, improve cargo and passenger efficiency, strengthen the Dar es Salaam corridor and enhance trade links across Southern, Central and East Africa,” he said.
Mr. Tayali added that the project aligns with the Government’s vision of positioning Zambia as a land-linked regional logistics hub, and applauded the continued commitment of Chinese partners and financiers.
He also acknowledged progress on the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with strong Chinese participation.
Mr. Tayali stressed that the project will improve road safety, reduce travel time, enhance the movement of mining and agricultural goods, and create jobs during construction and operation.
“It will further strengthen connectivity between Lusaka, the Copperbelt and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” he noted.
Beyond these flagship projects, the Minister highlighted expanding cooperation in aviation infrastructure development, renewable and green energy, ICT and digital systems, as well as mining and industrial development.
“Such collaborations are critical to Zambia’s industrialization agenda and the development of a modern transport and logistics ecosystem,” Mr. Tayali said.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a predictable and transparent investment environment anchored on policy stability, efficient project implementation, strong public-private partnerships and professionalism, and encouraged genuine investors to continue partnering with Zambia in line with long-term national priorities.
