In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera expressed his deep appreciation for China’s role as a great partner in the country’s pursuit of development and dreams. During his visit to Beijing for the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, President Chakwera emphasized the significant alignment between the summit’s theme and Malawi’s vision for development.
Alignment of Summit Theme with Malawi’s Development Vision
According to Chakwera, the theme of the summit, Jointly Promoting Modernization, Building a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, perfectly resonates with Malawi’s aspirations to achieve industrialization and other developmental goals. He stated that without collaboration with other nations, Malawi would be unable to realize these dreams.
China’s Role in Malawi’s Development
Chakwera highlighted that Malawi’s journey towards modernization, digitization, and the mechanization and commercialization of agriculture is crucial. He emphasized that collaboration with China in these areas will lead to greater synergy in the fields of digitization and artificial intelligence. We hope that Malawi can catch up and achieve leapfrog development, Chakwera said.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The Malawian president expressed his hope for closer interaction between both countries’ personnel and businesses, particularly in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and mining. He also mentioned his fruitful discussions with Chinese business representatives during his visit to China, focusing on how to turn concepts into practical outcomes.
Digitalization and Economic Benefits
Chakwera praised China’s contribution to Malawi’s development, particularly through the delivery of the country’s first national data center by Huawei in 2022. He highlighted the importance of digitalization in fostering future development, emphasizing that it benefits the people, reduces corruption, accelerates business development, and improves efficiency.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Since December 2022, China has implemented zero tariffs on 98% of Malawi’s exported products. Chakwera expressed his hope for continued cooperation and the realization of more high-quality production to benefit from China’s open market. He also mentioned his positive experience at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair in Changsha, Hunan Province, in 2022, which he believes has laid a solid foundation for trade cooperation between the two countries.
China’s Development Model
Chakwera commended China’s development model, noting that China has set clear development plans and focused on their implementation, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He appreciated China’s support for Malawi’s development path, emphasizing that China genuinely helps Malawi achieve its vision.
Recognition of Malawi’s Relationship with China
Chakwera pointed out that the Malawian 200 Kwacha banknote features a design of the Malawi Parliament building, which was constructed with Chinese aid. This is our recognition of the Malawi-China relationship, he said.
Promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative
Malawi is actively promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to improve connectivity with neighboring countries, reduce trade and transportation costs, and improve people’s lives.
In conclusion, President Chakwera’s interview with Xinhua News Agency highlights the strong partnership between China and Malawi and the mutual benefits of their cooperation. As the two countries continue to work together, they are poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
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