By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera who is currently in China attending this year’s China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has on Thursday 29th June 2023 opened Malawi’s first Consulate General in Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China.
In his remarks, President Chakwera said through the opening of Consulate General in the city of Changsha-China, Malawi will continue to deepen cooperation with China in various areas of mutual interest such as defense, security, capacity building, trade, and agriculture among others.
“The opening of of the Consulate General will further strengthen the collaboration and partnership between the two countries”. Said President Chakwera.
Writing on his official Facebook page soon after the opening of the office, President Chakwera said the opening of the Consulate is expected to facilitate seamless dialogue and enhance bilateral ties thereby increasing potential economic development.
He further said he was also privileged to meet a cohort of Malawian students from Changsha and other parts of China who attended the ceremony whom he has encouraged to remain vigilant in advancing the Malawi vision 2063 agenda while pursuing their studies.
Meanwhile, Malawi’s Ambassador in China Allan Chintedza has said the opening of the Consulate will open doors for China to boost trade opportunities for Malawi as Hunan is renown to be a hub for major International Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, adding that President Chakwera’s trip is huge and of vital importance to Malawi in bringing benefits in terms of investments and foreign exchange earnings.
In a separate interview, Trade Minister, Chithyola Banda described the Expo as a huge opportunity for Malawi to tackle her overstayed gap between imports and exports.
Changsha is one of populous cities in China, well known for trade, and with a population of over 10 million.
This year’s China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is being conducted under the theme “Common Development for a Shared Future”.
