China has provided two FM transmitters worth of about 460,000 US dollars to the state-run Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) for its radio 1 and radio 2 channels.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Baodong and Zambian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Vernon Mwaanga presided over the official handover ceremony in Lusaka Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mwaanga thanked the Chinese government for its support to Zambia's broadcasting services over the decades.

He said assistance from China will help Zambia achieve its aspiration of ensuring total territorial coverage by radio and television, a vision that has not been fully realized since independence in 1964.

China first provided Zambia's state radio with transmission equipment in 1973, followed by new equipment which were provided in 1995 and 2000.

In 2004, China provided 14 FM transmitters to be installed in seven provinces across Zambia.

Chinese Ambassador Li Baodong said the promotion of information and communications of technology is important for development and poverty reduction.

As the world's biggest developing nation, China is committed to working with Zambia and other developing countries to reduce the " digital gap" and attain common development, he added.

Source: Xinhua