By Linda Kwanjana
Renowned Political analyst Dr Ben Zolowere says President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera decision to go and attend the
fourth Summit meeting of the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is important for the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview Dr Dzolowere says there are some issues which requires political will for it to happens.
He said while in China , the President will be meeting China president for bilateral talks these talks are so crucial to Malawians.
“You know China is a great nation in terms of trade, as a country we cannot afford to leave without China,” he said.
Chakwera, left the country for Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, where he is expected to attend the fourth Summit meeting of the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), slated for the 4th and 5th September, 2024.
FOCAC is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and all states in Africa. It is the primary multi-lateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China since the year 2018.
Speaking to the media before departure at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), President Chakwera said he would also take advantage of the trip to sell the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy.
At the summit, the Malawi leader will join other African Heads of State and Government to consider and adopt the 2025 – 2027 Beijing FOCAC plan of action which would guide the China – Africa engagements in various sectors for the next three years.
President Chakwera is also expected to hold bilateral talks with His Excellency, Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China to strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between Malawi and China and further enhance Malawi – China cooperation in various transport infrastructure projects.
Chakwera was seen off at KIA by Vice President Dr Micheal Bizwick Usi and several top party and government officials.
