STORY: Reception to mark celebrations for Chinese new year held in Zambia
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 2, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 4, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:39
LOCATION: Lusaka
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DU XIAOHUI, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CHIPOKA MULENGA, Zambian Minister of Commence, Trade and Industry

STORYLINE:

A reception to mark celebrations for the upcoming Chinese New Year was held in Lusaka, the Zambian capital.
   
Organized by the Chinese embassy on Friday, the event also saw the launch of activities of the Year of China-Zambia Business Cooperation 2024.
   
It was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui and Chipoka Mulenga, the Zambian Minister of Commence, Trade and Industry, the Chinese community as well as officials from both governments.
  
A display of fireworks characterized the event which was also attended by officials from Zambia's investment agency, the Zambia Development Agency and officials from the Maina Soko Military Medical Center.
   
Du said by combining the two events, the two countries hope to celebrate the upcoming year with hard work in the hope of enhancing relations and business cooperation.
   
He said that for the past 60 years, institutions, businesses and citizens from both sides have contributed greatly to the friendship between the two countries and seized opportunities presented by the cooperation.
   
The Chinese ambassador said a number of activities will be held this year to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties and in line with the designation of the year of business cooperation.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): DU XIAOHUI, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia
"The goal of the year China-Zambia business cooperation is to establish an open, inclusive and pragmatic cooperation platform for businesses from both sides. To this end, we will organize a series of economic and trade activities this year."

China, he added, will also hold an exhibition to showcase the achievements of 60 years of diplomatic ties, while some Chinese provinces will collaborate with some Zambian provinces to organize trade and economic expos for investment promotion activities.
   
In a speech read for him by the minister of commerce, trade and industry, President Hakainde Hichilema wished the Chinese people a happy and prosperous new year, saying that the year of the dragon symbolizes growth, prosperity and good fortune.
   
He said the two countries have achieved remarkable results and brought tangible benefits to the people during the past 60 years.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CHIPOKA MULENGA, Zambian Minister of Commence, Trade and Industry
"In this era, the China-Zambia friendship has continued to flourish, beaming with new vitality. Mutual respect, equality and a win-win attitude have always been important principles guiding China-Zambia relations."

He encouraged Chinese businesses to expand their investment in Zambia as part of efforts to deepen economic and trade cooperation as well as promote people-to-people exchanges.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lusaka.
(XHTV)