The Chinese Embassy in Zambia announced on Thursday that it will host a forum, together with the Zambia Development Agency, in May to discuss cooperation opportunities between the two countries.

Over 200 Chinese and Zambian companies have already registered for the China-Zambia High-Quality Development Forum, scheduled for May 15 at the Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Center in Lusaka. More than 200 business people from China, representing 20 cities in five provinces, are expected to attend, according to Du Xiaohui, the Chinese ambassador to Zambia.

Du said the decision to hold such a forum conveys a message that China and Zambia are longstanding partners in development and the two countries will continue to be partners on the road to achieving development.

"The bright future of China's economy will surely bring immense opportunities to China-Zambia cooperation. As the pie of China-Zambia cooperation grows bigger, the Chinese and Zambian people will feel ever closer to each other," he said at a press briefing.

The forum is part of the two countries' efforts to implement the consensus reached by their leaders last year and commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations and the year of business cooperation between China and Zambia.

The event will feature seven sub-committees focusing on various sectors, providing a platform for participants to exchange views. An exhibition will also be held showcasing Chinese business contributions in Zambia, including job creation, professional training, environmental protection and energy conservation.

Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said the forum is vital in facilitating partnerships between businesses from both countries. He urged local businesses to seize the opportunity to engage with their counterparts.

Mulenga expressed gratitude for the 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries and called for deeper economic cooperation alongside the existing political and diplomatic relations.