Zambia commissions the construction of international conference center
By People Daily, March 2, 2020Zambia on Friday commissioned the start of construction of a China-funded ultra-modern conference center which will host a session of the African Union (AU) summit in 2022.
The conference center, which will have a capacity of 4,000 people, will host the 39th AU Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government Summit.
It will be constructed by Chinese firm China Jiangsu International.
President Edgar Lungu thanked China for the important gesture, adding that the people of Zambia treasure the unbreakable bond of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.
According to him, China has continued to be part of the development of Africa, with increased support and investment, adding that Zambia has greatly been benefited.
“This ultra-modern conference center will boost Zambia’s infrastructure capacity to host high-level international conferences and meetings,” he said.
On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie said the construction of the project was a demonstration of the traditional friendship that has existed between the two countries.
According to him, the construction of the conference center will provide Zambia with an ultra-modern facility.
The Chinese envoy said the two countries have enjoyed practical cooperation in the last 56 years and the cooperation has reached another level.
During the construction phase, 500 direct jobs will be created and another 1,000 through provision of various services while 60 permanent jobs will be created once the project was completed. (Xinhua)