STORY: Seminar held in Zambia to enhance labor relations between Chinese enterprises, local employees
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 27, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 30, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:18
LOCATION: Lusaka
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the seminar
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JIN JUN, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LIAO ZIBIN, President of the ACCZ
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JOY BEENE, Secretary-General of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions 
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ZECHARIAH LUHANGA, Permanent Secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Labor and Social Security

STORYLINE:

A seminar was held on Friday in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, to enhance labor relations between Chinese enterprises in Zambia and their employees.

Held under the theme "Localization of Talent Resources to Promote China-Zambia Economic and Trade Integration and Development," the event was organized by the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia (ACCZ) in collaboration with the Zambia Federation of Employers, gathering officials from the Chinese embassy and the Zambian government as well as members of the ACCZ.

Jin Jun, counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, commended the ACCZ for carrying out fruitful work in helping Chinese enterprises develop soundly and sustainably in Zambia and promoting bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JIN JUN, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia
"We also require Chinese companies to benefit local people while achieving their own development, to strictly follow local labor laws, effectively protect the safety and legal rights and interests of local workers, fully understand the demands of employees, promptly resolve conflicts and disputes of employment, and create harmonious labor-capital relations."

The counselor said the economic and trade cooperation between China and Zambia has become increasingly close, with trade volumes reaching 3.4 billion U.S. dollars from January to October, accounting for 20 percent of Zambia's total trade. Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises have invested more than 3.5 billion dollars in Zambia's mining sector, creating about 15,000 jobs.

ACCZ President Liao Zibin said the theme of the seminar emphasized the importance of integrating the workforce with the Zambian community, respecting its laws, and nurturing local talent.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LIAO ZIBIN, President of the ACCZ
"Localization isn't just about compliance, it's about building a workplace where every employee feels valued and part of a larger community, it's about understanding that the success of our businesses in Zambia is deeply tied to the welfare of its people. By localizing, we are not just investing in our companies but in the future of Zambia itself."

Joy Beene, secretary general of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, an umbrella body of trade unions, said the holding of the seminar demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening economic and trade relations while ensuring a conducive and harmonious working environment for all.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): JOY BEENE, Secretary-General of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions 
"Let us reaffirm the importance of open dialogue between the trade unions and employers. The path to industrial harmony lies in collaboration, transparency, and the recognition of each party's role in driving economic progress."

Zechariah Luhanga, permanent secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Labor and Social Security, highlighted the significant role of the private sector, including Chinese enterprises, in job creation and economic growth.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ZECHARIAH LUHANGA, Permanent Secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Labor and Social Security
"Investments by Chinese businesses are particularly strategic in the country's economic transformation agenda as the Chinese economy remains one of the best examples of the results of resilience and growth."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lusaka.
(XHTV)