President Lazarus Chakwera says Malawi stands a better chance of benefiting positively from the just ended Third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).
The Malawi Leader has relayed the observation on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe from the four-day Expo, which took place in China’s Changsha City, Hunan Province.
According to Chakwera, his invitation to the summit will benefit Malawi on a number of sectors from the signing of different deals.
He said: “This will benefit Malaŵi on a number of levels because we have seen the favour that these leaders hold us highly with, and we have seen the commitment.”
In addition, Chakwera said the country has reinforced cooperation with China though discussions with government officials and penning of several memoranda of understanding with Huawei Technologies for more cooperation in renewable energy, broadband connectivity, e-government, smart education and ICT talent training.
The President said what remains is his administration expediting various processes behind the signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in a number of sectors.
“And the fact that they want to fast-track whatever it is that we agreed we signed several MoUs touching various Ministries, and so we believe that it’s up to us to speed up processes that will help lift up Malaŵi to a level that we all desire and aspire,” said Chakwera.
Later, writing on his Facebook page, Chakwera said the trip was fruitful, and it has continued deepening cooperation with key global partners.
“Notable positive outcomes from the China trip include an acquisition of a market for 10 million kilograms of burley and flue-cured tobacco. This is a huge incentive to our farmers who – through extra effort to their trade – will gain from this new economic opportunity,” said Chakwera.
On the economic front, and as continuation of negotiations with multilateral creditors, Chakwera said his administration has also lobbied the case with China to ease the debt burden that continues to weigh down Malawi’s economic prospects.
