Zambian vice president defends Chinese investors

Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape said Wednesday that continuous attacks on the Chinese investors in the country by an opposition leader would have serious economic repercussions on the country.

At a press briefing in Kitwe, 400 km north of Lusaka, Mwape said China was one of the emerging biggest economies in the world and has contributed massively to the growth of the Zambian economy.

He was cited by Zambia News and Information Services as saying that China has developed most of Zambia's infrastructure such as roads and communication facilities.

Michael Sata, leader of the opposition Patriotic Front and one of the presidential candidates for this month's general elections, recently described Chinese investors in Zambia as enemies

The vice president said if China decided to withdraw its investments from Zambia due to Sata's "irresponsible" remarks, there would be a very serious economic crisis in the country.

He further said China has been Zambia's true friend, adding that it was unfortunate that Sata could handle the friendship in such a way.

The vice president added that Chinese investors came to Zambia not to destroy but facilitate the country's economic growth.

Source: Xinhua