Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday that China is willing to work with Zambia and Tanzania to develop a prosperous belt along the TAZARA railway and jointly promote a new centre of economic growth.

He made this statement in Zambia's capital Lusaka while attending the launch ceremony for the TAZARA revitalisation project alongside Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Li Qiang called on the three countries to use the revitalisation of the railway as an opportunity to strengthen „hard connectivity“ in infrastructure such as railways, motorways and ports, while also strengthening „soft connectivity“ in areas such as customs procedures, goods inspection and taxation.

Looking to the future, Li Qiang noted that cooperation between China and Africa has broad prospects. China is ready to work with Zambia, Tanzania and other African countries to further develop the spirit of TAZARA, implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and deepen and consolidate the China-Africa community with a shared future for a new era.

CMG