Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published: August 30,2024
China hosted the 6th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation and China-Africa Think Tank High-Level Dialogue from 20th – 22 August, at the Beijing International Conference Centre. High ranking official from China and Africa attended the forum under the theme; Joining hands to Advance Modernization.
The Zambian Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, was among the keynote speakers who acknowledged that the Forum is an important platform for deepening cooperation between China and Africa.
Below is the full statement of the Minister:
On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to sincerely thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the invitation to the 6th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation and China-Africa Think Tank High – level Dialogue.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen
Allow me to congratulate the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for organising this important meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation in the media sector between China and Africa.
The Forum has been and continues to be an important platform for deepening cooperation between China and Africa in creating a well informed and knowledgeable populace as well as sharing knowledge on new trends and developments in the media.
It also plays an important role in ensuring commitment to our mutual respect, sincerity, solidarity, justice and win-win cooperation for the benefit of the people of China and Africa.
I, therefore, wish to sincerely thank the people and Government of China for always being available and ready to support Africa in our quest to develop our media landscape in terms of technology, training and infrastructure development.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen
With the conducive environment that the Government has created, Zambia’s media industry has continued to grow with a combined total of about 260 radio and television stations currently on air and over 30 newspapers both online and hardcopy. These include public, private and community owned outlets.
To enhance and strengthen this attainment, we hold the view that our media institutions in the country, especially community owned, require exposure and experience in new and emerging trends in the broadcasting industry and China stands as the best option to learn from.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen
We have keenly been following the progressive innovations that China continues to undertake in growing and ensuring that the media remains relevant in the face of the ever-changing technology, social media in particular. We are convinced that if Africa’smedia industry is to develop and match up with the trends on the global stage, China is a key partner which Africa would do better to work with.
It is important for Africa to use the opportunity presented through the Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation to establish linkages and relations that will help grow the media industry on the continent.
As the theme of this year’s Forum states and I quote, “Join Hands on the Path towards Modernisation,” it is important that Africa works together with China through this avenue. We all need each other to grow and modernise our media.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen
As for Zambia, Government is promoting the development of home-grown content for our radio and television stations. This is another fertile ground for cooperation between Zambia and China.
Government is also in the process of reviewing policies and laws that govern the media in order to make them responsive to the needs of the Zambian society and bring them in tandem with the trends on the global stage.
It is our expectation that this meeting, and other interactions here, will result in new vision, new development and new cooperation between Africa and China in as far as the media industry is concerned.
Let me, therefore, take this opportunity to call upon China to support African countries like Zambia to enhance innovation. It is important for us to establish advanced practical cooperation, strengthened exchanges and shared opportunities in areas like digital technology and the digital economy.
Zambia like many other countries in Africa need continued bridging of the digital divide, and improved digital governance capacity. We strongly feel that we can count of friends like China.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen
The role of Think Tanks in any development process cannot be overstated. They provide critical analysis, informed perspectives, and innovative solutions to the challenges we face.
The collaboration between African and Chinese Think Tanks enhances our capacity to address key issues such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth.
By sharing knowledge and expertise, we can formulate strategies that are not only effective but also culturally relevant and tailored to our unique contexts.
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen
In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm that the Government of the Republic of Zambia under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to consolidating the already existing excellent relations with the Government of the People’s Republic of Chinaand our brother and sister on the African continent.
I thank you for the opportunity to address this important meeting.
Source: The Zambian Office of the Ministry of Information and Media
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