STORY: Zambian firm seeks to explore Chinese market at CIIE
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 4, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 6, 2024
LENGTH: 0:00:34
LOCATION: Lusaka
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE (English): CHANANGA NKOWANI, Chief executive officer at Gilly's Trends Enterprise

STORYLINE:

A Zambian company specializing in precious stone mining, honey production and handmade crafts aims to leverage the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) to tap into China's vast market.
   
Gilly's Trends Enterprise, one of nine Zambian companies participating in this year's CIIE, said that the expo is among the largest in the world, attracting extensive participation from diverse sectors. The company said the event is an invaluable opportunity to network with a wide array of enterprises.

Chananga Nkowani, chief executive officer of the company who will attend the CIIE for the first time, told Xinhua on Monday that "the market in China is large, and that is why we always accept the invitation to attend."

SOUNDBITE (English): CHANANGA NKOWANI, Chief executive officer at Gilly's Trends Enterprise
"It is my first time to attend the CIIE expo, but I have attended other exhibitions in China. So I think our expectations is obviously to network and foster some linkages with certain companies that we have been unable to see, maybe from the previous exhibitions, which is people that are very interested to want to collaborate. And maybe have us Zambians also open our businesses there in China, we partner with them."

Nkowani said that the company is keen to forge collaborations and explore partnership opportunities with those interested in its products, aiming to expand its reach in the Chinese market. Moreover, she said she is interested in partnering with Chinese companies to enhance value addition for her products.
   
Nkowani also praised China's zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines from least-developed countries in Africa, describing it as a boost for exports from small and medium enterprises in these nations.
   
The 7th CIIE is being held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lusaka.
(XHTV)