China Steps Up to Help Zambia Fight HIV, as Commercial Ties Deepen

The productive and mutually beneficial nature of Zambia’s diplomatic and business relationship with China was on full display this week, as both development and private sector cooperation was intensified.

Firstly, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Lusaka, Wang Sheng, visited the office of Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata on Thursday. During this meeting, Mr Wang signalled China’s intention to deepen its involvement in the Zambian health sector, and in particular to help fill the gap left by the recent retrenchment of US development aid.

Most importantly, this concerns fighting HIV; one of the biggest and most pressing challenges facing the country. To begin with, Mr Wang announced a donation of 5,000 rapid HIV testing kits, with the promise of further assistance in the near future.

An official statement issued by the Lusaka Provincial Administration declared that “China says it is ready to help Zambia fight HIV following the withdrawal of aid by the American government…[continuing] China and Zambia’s long history of positive collaboration in various sectors”.

Furthermore, Zambia was also visited by a Chinese delegation led by Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of Xinjiang, who came to track the implementation of the agreements that President Hichilema signed at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation last year.

In particular, the delegation discussed with the President how new technologies can be leveraged to enhance agricultural output and efficiency.

President Hichilema praised the trading relationship between the two countries, and thanked the Chinese delegation for providing a large and reliable market for Zambian exports.