STORY: Chinese, Zambian firms meet to discuss investment in energy sector
DATELINE: June 23, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:26
LOCATION: Lusaka
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the banner
2. various of the seminar
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DU XIAOHUI, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
4. various of the seminar
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): DU XIAOHUI, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
6. various of Peter Kapala
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): PETER KAPALA, Zambian Minister of Energy
8. various of Zheng Chao
9. various of the seminar
10. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ZHENG CHAO, Executive vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products
11. various of the seminar

STORYLINE:

Representatives of 14 Chinese enterprises on Tuesday gathered in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, with their local counterparts to explore investment opportunities in the energy sector.
   
They were meeting at a seminar on China-Zambia energy cooperation, which was organized by the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy.
   
Du Xiaohui, the Chinese ambassador to Zambia, said China will adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, and beneficial cooperation in the energy field with countries participating in the "Belt and Road Initiative" and support more countries to accelerate the development of energy industries.
   
China has always been an ideal and reliable cooperating partner of Zambia in the energy sector.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DU XIAOHUI, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
"The joint efforts of all parties will provide green, sustainable and strong impetus for the high-quality development of China-Zambia cooperation."
 
Du said China is willing to tap its technology and experience in clean energy development and utilization to deepen practical cooperation with Zambia. He expressed optimism that the authorities in Zambia will introduce more affordable, convenient and industry-friendly policies to facilitate cooperation between the two countries.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): DU XIAOHUI, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
"I believe that the Zambian government and entrepreneurs present will do your best in today's seminar and future contacts to attract Chinese companies with strong capital, strength and superb technology to promote win-win cooperation."
 
The Chinese envoy expressed satisfaction that economic and trade cooperation with Zambia has taken root with relevant projects blossoming in different parts of the southern African nation.
   
Zambian Minister of Energy Peter Kapala said the seminar has come at the right time when the government is on a marathon program of strengthening the energy sector through various policy pronouncements.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): PETER KAPALA, Zambian Minister of Energy
"I wish to express my excitement on this event as it provides my government through my ministry an opportunity to propose a new investment. Further, the event provides for consolidated efforts between our two countries in flourishing investment and technology transfer for increased access to sustainable energy both for the country and indeed the sub-region."

The government is open to various bilateral and multilateral development cooperation such as China-Zambia energy cooperation in various energy subsectors, the minister said.
   
Zheng Chao, executive vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, which organized the Chinese entrepreneurs' trip to Zambia, said they had a better understanding of Zambia's latest investment and cooperative policies and explored ideas on potential cooperation opportunities after the trip.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ZHENG CHAO, Executive vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products
"Through connection and communication, I hope entrepreneurs from China will have a deep understanding of Zambia's greatest investment and cooperative policies and projects, further explore ideas, seek more opportunities exploring operation potential and finally contribute to the development of China-Zambia economic and trade relations."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lusaka.
(XHTV)