Wen Gang, Chairman of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC), paid a visit to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, during his inspection tour of CNMC's projects in Zambia, on Nov. 12, 2024 local time.
This marked their second meeting following the talks held in Beijing on September 3, 2024, one day before the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
During their meeting in Lusaka, Wen and Hichilema held in-depth discussions aimed at fully implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC and promoting further cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Wen Gang (left), Chairman of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC), shakes hands with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during his visit to the president in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, Nov. 12, 2024 local time.
Wen expressed his gratitude to Hichilema and the Zambian government for their long-standing support for CNMC, and stressed CNMC's long-term commitment and confidence in the Zambian market.
He updated the president on CNMC's major projects in Zambia, including the Shaft 28 at CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines Plc. (CLM), the southeast orebody project of NFC Africa Mining Plc., and the Samba Mine project, all of which are located in Zambia's Copperbelt Province.
He said that CNMC will continue to increase investment and strengthen operational efforts in its mining projects in Zambia, stay committed to the philosophy of green development, and make greater contributions to local economic growth and improvements in people's livelihoods.
The Group will also play an active role in the rehabilitation and operation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, in an effort to help provide a stronger foundation for cooperation between China and Zambia in the economic, trade and mining sectors, Wen noted.
Wen Gang, Chairman of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC), holds discussions with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, Nov. 12, 2024 local time.
Hichilema warmly welcomed Wen's visit and spoke highly of CNMC's contributions to Zambia's economic and social development, pointing out that CNMC's projects have not only boosted employment and economic growth in Zambia, but also served as a model for China-Zambia cooperation.
He specifically mentioned that the resumption of train operations on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the development of the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (ZCCZ) were important consensuses reached between himself and Xi at FOCAC, saying they have fully demonstrated the two countries' in-depth cooperation in key areas.
The president said that the Zambian government will fully support the projects invested by CNMC in Zambia and work to continuously deepen bilateral cooperation between China and Zambia in mining and infrastructure, among other sectors.
A delegation of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC) led by CNMC Chairman Wen Gang poses for a group photo with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and other Zambian officials in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, Nov. 12, 2024 local time.
The meeting was also attended by other officials, including Paul Kabuswe, Zambia's Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Siazongo Siakalenge, Zambian Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet-Finance and Economic Development, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing, as well as representatives from CNMC headquarters, CNMC's regional offices in central and southern Africa, and its affiliated enterprises operating in Zambia.
The special visit is considered a vivid illustration of CNMC's active response to the spirit of the congratulatory messages exchanged between Xi and Hichilema on the 60th anniversary of China-Zambia diplomatic ties.
It's also believed that the visit reflected CNMC's strong determination to contribute to the development of the all-weather friendship between China and Zambia in the new era by continuously increasing investment in Zambia and deepening cooperation with Zambian partners in the mining sector.
