China has launched an economic and trade cooperation zone in Zambia, the first of its kind by the Communist trading giant in Africa to tap local mineral resources and boost trade ties with the continent. The zones establishment is part of Chinas efforts to fulfil its earlier promises to boost its fullfledged cooperation with African nations. China is a Special Economic Zone pioneer.

The Chinese government encourages and supports competent Chinese enterprises to invest in the zone and make contribution to Zambias economic development and social progress. The zone, located in Zambias Copper Belt Province, is aimed at forming a production chain with Chambisi Copper Smelter as the core enterprise. The construction of the zone is expected to boost the development of Zambias light industry and the sectors of construction materials, home electrical appliance, pharmacy and food processing, increase the countrys exports and create job opportunities for locals.

Chinas trade with the African countries zoomed 40 per cent last year to USD 55.5 billion. Of this amount, Chinas export to Africa was worth USD 26.7 billion, up 43 per cent and import from Africa was worth USD 28.8 billion, up 37 per cent. To further expand import from African countries, China has formally offered zerotariff treatment to products in 190 categories to 28 of the least developed countries on the continent.