Representatives from the Chinese and Zambian governments announce the start of construction on three corn-processing factories at the launch ceremony in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, on April 17. [Photo/sinomach.com.cn]

Zambian people perform during the launch ceremony, April 17. [Photo/sinomach.com.cn]

A launch ceremony was held in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, on April 17 to mark the start of construction on three corn-processing factories.

Li Jie, the Chinese ambassador to Zambia, as well as local government officials headed by President Edgar Lungu, attended the event.

The project is sponsored by the Chinese government and will be carried out by China Machinery Industry Construction Group (Sinoconst), a subsidiary of Sinomach.

The project consists of two corn plants with a daily processing capacity of 240 tons each in Monze and Mpika, as well as a demonstration factory in the capital city of Lusaka, which is designed to process 40 tons of corn each day and train 200 workers annually.

The factories will not only help relieve the food shortage in the country, but also create jobs for locals, said Edgar Lungu, who stressed the project’s importance in promoting local economic and social development.

The Chinese government is willing to help Zambia develop, said Li Jie. He said that China has helped build various pieces of infrastructure in Zambia, including railways, textile factories, hospitals, schools and power stations, and will continue to work with the local government to maintain a mutually beneficial partnership.