China-Zambia joint communique highlights closer economic ties

China and Zambia have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in trade and the economic field and intend to fully implement the agreements they have reached, said a joint communique issued on Sunday.

The joint communique was issued during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit here.

The two sides agreed that their cooperation will be focused on infrastructure, agriculture, mining and human resources development, the document said.

The document said Zambia recognizes China as a market economy.

They will also encourage the business communities of both countries to enter into cooperation for mutual benefit, according to the joint communique.

In addition, the two sides also agreed to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and expand cooperation in culture, education, health,tourism and aviation, it said.

One day earlier, Hu announced a package of measures designed to further boost bilateral relations, including debt relief, expanding Zambian tariff-free exports to China, setting up an economic zone in Zambia and assistance in the construction of infrastructure and other facilities.

In the joint communique, Zambian President Levy Patrick

Mwanawasa expressed his appreciation to China for the selfless assistance over the years, while Hu applauded Zambia's remarkable achievements in economic development and its contribution to peace.

Hu arrived in Lusaka Saturday on the fourth leg of his eight-nation African tour, which has already taken him to Cameroon,Liberia and Sudan. He will also visit Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and the Seychelles.

Source: Xinhua