Malawi courts China on projects

President Peter Mutharika yesterday returned home from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the People’s Republic of China where, among others, he discussed development projects with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.

Speaking on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the President said Malawi would continue to benefit from China in a number of projects yet to be established in the country.

Said Mutharika: “There are about seven projects which the two governments have agreed to work on and Minister of Trade and Industry [Joseph Mwanamvekha] will go to the People’s Republic of China to meet with Minister of Commerce to look at the technical details of the projects.”

The President, who did not give out specific details of the projects which are yet to be established, said this is in terms of technical and financial support from China.

He also said Malawi would benefit more from China in terms of implementation of its economic reforms.

Mutharika also mentioned construction of water reservoirs in the country as some of the projects he asked China to assist Malawi in.

While in China, the President toured about seven irrigation schemes and concluded that water harvesting can help Malawians to have adequate food throughout the year.

China has been supporting Malawi since 2008 in a number of areas, including irrigation and infrastructure development and it is also a free trade area for over 400 products.

WEF is a platform that brings together world leaders ranging from political to business to discuss challenges facing trade and investment across the globe.