Soon upon his arrival in China today, the president of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Lazarus Chakwera , has held an audience with Right Honourable Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China on the sidelines of the 3rd China – Africa Economic and Trade Expo, taking place in Changsha, Hunan Province.
The bilateral talks which took place at Jiusuo Hotel centered around strengthening diplomatic ties and bolstering trade as well capitalizing on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
In his remarks, President Chakwera highlighted key developments that would require financial assistance from the Government of China, including the export credit financing (government to government) through SINOSURE, CEXIM and MAIIC.
Constituting the catalog of development projects requiring aid included the ongoing water projects in Lilongwe as well as the construction of Lower Fufu Hydro-electric Power Plant.
Chakwera stressed that the realization of these projects would have immense economic benefits and enhance connectivity for the country, thereby facilitating Malawi’s integration into the African and global market.
The Malawi leader further acknowledged and applauded the existing trade ties between Malawi and China, citing the granting of zero-tariff treatment on 98 per cent currently taxable products originating, from 10 Least Developed Countries, including Malawi; and the Signing of a Protocol on Phyto-sanitary Requirements for export of soybeans from Malawi to China, as examples of the vast potential for further and more comprehensive trade exploration between the two nations.
Chakwera added that it was therefore imperative that the Chinese government expedited Malawi’s application for the approval of protocols to export goods such macadamia nuts and dry chilies to China.
Further, the Malawi leader also expressed gratitude for China’s support during climate change emergencies including a donation of 1 million Yuan for Cyclone Freddy relief efforts.
Malawi Government officials who joinied the president during this high level meeting were Hon Sosten_Gwengwe, Minister of Finance, Hon. Nancy Tembo , Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Dalitso Kawale Minister of Agriculture, Ambassador Allan Chintedza among others.
