First Vice President Dr Jane Ansah SC, retired on Tuesday, met Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Lu Xu, in a meeting that underscored Malawi’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with China.
Describing the discussions as productive, Dr Ansah said they focused on expanding cooperation in sectors critical to Malawi’s economic recovery.
“I conveyed the appreciation of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for China’s warm goodwill message and for recognising Malawi’s democratic transition,” she said.
She noted that relations between the two countries have continued to grow since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2007.
“Our friendship has grown steadily over the years,” she said. “China’s support in infrastructure, agriculture, health, education and human resource development has been significant.”
Dr. Ansah also highlighted the government’s 4Fs and M framework—food security, fertiliser, fuel, foreign exchange and medicines—inviting China’s continued cooperation.
“I encouraged China to support these key areas as we work towards achieving visible progress within the administration’s first 90 days,” she noted.
She further applauded China’s recent cancellation of $20 million in debt and the provision of emergency food assistance.
“This support will go a long way in easing the burden on many Malawian households,” she said.
The meeting also looked at future collaboration in mining, energy, rural electrification, irrigation, mechanisation, agro-processing, tourism and manufacturing.
The VP said Malawi is ready to benefit from China’s zero-tariff export window and invited more Chinese investors to explore opportunities in the country.
On youth and skills development, she stressed the need for continued cooperation in education, science, technology and vocational training.
“These areas are key to empowering the next generation of Malawians,” she said.
Dr. Ansah concluded by reaffirming Malawi’s commitment to the 2025–2027 Beijing Action Plan under FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative and the One-China Principle, recognising the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.
