Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, has applauded the government of the People’s Republic of China, for awarding African countries duty free access to the Chinese markets for agricultural products.

The Minister said this during the launch of Zambia’s Permanent Pavilion in Changsha, Hunan Province on the sidelines of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).

Hon. Mulenga stated that the Pavilion will help improve Zambia’s export revenue. He appreciated the Provincial Government of Hunan province for supporting Zambia’s quest to improve the exports to China and expressed hope that the Pavilion will improve knowledge about Zambia and Zambian products in the People’s Republic of China.

The Minister expressed support for this initiative as it was permanent and not a one-off event. He urged the Embassy to ensure the Pavilion showcases Zambian goods, both agricultural and manufactured products.

Hon. Mulenga further underscored that the pavilion is set to play a critical role in enterprise engagement, investment facilitation, and practical cooperation in advancing trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and Zambia.

The Minister is in the People’s Republic of China attending the China Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) accompanied by Deputy Secretary to Cabinet-Finance and Economic Development Mr. Siazongo Siakalenge and Zambia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Mr. Ivan Zyuulu.

The Expo is a bi-annual event that serves as a platform for strengthening economic ties between China and African Nations. This year’s Expo is being held under the theme”China-Africa together towards modernisation” bringing together the business community, investors and Ministers of Trade and Foreign Affairs.