On the afternoon of February 25th, 2010 President of China Mr. Hu Jintao met the visiting President of Zambia Mr. Rupiah Banda and witnessed the signing of the MOU on Zambia China Economic & Trade Cooperation Zone Lusaka Sub-zone. Mr. Luo Tao, the president of CNMC signed on the MOU with the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia.
In the meeting, President Hu said that China and Zambia should continue extending and strengthening economic and trade cooperation which could bring benefit to both China and Zambia. “China will carry on the principle of pursuing mutual benefit, win-win situation, efficiency, and common development to support the construction of ZCCZ and encourage competitive and reputable Chinese enterprises to invest in Zambia and to further extend cooperation in agriculture, mining and infrastructure development.” said President Hu.
President Hu has a very deep impression of CNMC. He went to Zambia on February 4th, 2007 unveiling for ZCCZ and CCS together with then Zambian President Dr. Mwanawasa. He has also given CNMC instructions on several occasions to encourage CNMC to make more contribution to the economic and trade cooperation between China and foreign countries.
After the signing ceremony Mr. Luo Tao conveyed regards from CNMC to President Hu Jintao, expressed sincere gratitude to President Hu. Mr. Luo Tao and reported the development of CNMC to President Hu. President Hu was very delighted when he heard that Chambishi Copper Smelter has commenced production and became the largest copper smelter China has invested abroad. He also inquired of the construction of Lusaka Sub-zone of ZCCZ.
Before the signing ceremony, Mr. Dai Bingguo, the State Councilor recalled his last visit to Chambishi Copper Mine with Chairman of Standing Committee Mr. Wu Bangguo in 2004. He conveyed congratulations to CNMC and said that Chinese government will give full support to CNMC’s “go global” strategy.
Chairman of State Development and Reform Commission Mr. Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce of China Mr. Chen Deming, Minister of Land and Resources Mr. Xu Shaoshi, Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Zhai Juan and Ambassador of China to Zambia Mr. Li Qiangmin also attended the ceremony. Mr. Zhai sang high praise to CNMC for its outstanding contribution to the diplomatic and economic relationship between China and Zambia.