Government has expressed satisfaction with PowerChina International for progress made towards supporting Zambia’s water resources management capabilities, and assisting to improve the country’s energy sector.

ZANIS reports that President Hakainde Hichilema further appreciates the progress made, emphasising on the importance of a long term master plan which is crucial for planning purposes.

Speaking when a team from Powerchina International called on him at State House, President Hichilema stated that this will help to direct time, resources and isolated priorities well for quicker implementation.

He appreciated the subsequent work that has been going on between the government and POWERCHINA International involving areas related to energy, water and agriculture.

And Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri disclosed that POWERCHINA has expressed interest to enter into a Public Private Partnership with Zambia, where the focus is to enhance capability and productivity in sectors such as agriculture.

He said that POWERCHINA sought to develop a modern agriculture industrial park with Zambia and was given proposed sites including Zambia National Service Mumba farm and Lusankaba farm in Mkushi district as the preferred demonstration sites.

Meanwhile, PowerChina International Chairman Chen Guanfu expressed optimism that following the meeting with President Hichilema, the two countries will share enhanced cooperation at combating drought as well as ensuring electrictricity supply for Zambia, as he outlined plans for the upcoming phase of the plan.