Zambia and China have signed five co-operation agreements in Beijing, which included one relating to partnership in the development of multi-facility economic zones (MFEZs) in Zambia.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Mr. Felix Mutati, signed the economic zones agreement with China Non-ferrous Metal Mining Group Limited (CNMC) officials at a ceremony witnessed by Presidents Rupiah Banda and Hu Jintao.

The MFEZ agreement relates to China Non-ferrous Metal Mining Group Limited procuring funding from China under the various lending windows for the establishment of several special economic zones in Zambia.

The co-operation would include the financing and construction of the Lusaka sub-zone near the Lusaka International Airport at a cost of US$100 million.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane signed an agreement on economic and technical co-operation between China and Zambia for the construction of a national stadium in Lusaka between March 2010 and February 2015.

Dr. Musokotwane also signed another economic and technical co-operation agreement for financial support to various development projects to be agreed on through consultations between the two countries.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Mr. Maxwell Mwale signed an agreement on mining to promote co-operation in the field of geology through co-operative projects and exchange of information and visits on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and win-win results.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kabinga Pande signed an agreement on the executive programme on culture to be implemented between 2010 and 2014.

The agreement on culture would help to strengthen the exchange and co-operation in culture, arts, heritage, education, sports, publication, radio, film and television, among others between the two countries.