A Chinese firm signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Zambian company on Monday for the construction of an oral cholera vaccine plant in the African country, which will be the fist one in Africa.
The Chinese company, Jijia International Medical Technology, inked the MoU with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), an investment arm of the Zambian government, at the State House in Zambia's capital Lusaka, which was witnessed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing.
Jijia International Medical Technology will introduce China's sole cholera vaccine, an innovative oral capsule developed from the research of the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, and plans to introduce more human and animal vaccines to Zambia, according to the Chinese firm's deputy general manager.
Addressing the signing ceremony, President Hichilema said that the construction of the vaccine plant is very important for Zambia, which can not only improve the country's public health capacity, prevent and control infectious diseases and protect people's health and safety, but also benefit neighboring countries and promote regional economic and social development.
Expressing his gratitude to the Chinese government for its long-term strong support for promoting pragmatic bilateral cooperation, the president noted that the collaboration in the sector of public health is a significant manifestation of the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
"We are also sending a signal that Zambia, Africa and the globe, a number of countries, are able to work together with those that have the technology - China. We are able to contrive a partnership for the greater good of humanity. And I like the principle of President Xi Jinping to have a shared future with the global community," said the president.
The president said Zambia was among the high-risk countries, having faced more than 20,000 cholera cases and nearly 700 deaths during the 2023-2024 outbreak. The vaccine plant will serve not only Zambia, but also the broader region and Africa.
China, Zambia to jointly construct Africa’s 1st cholera vaccine plant
China, Zambia to jointly construct Africa’s 1st cholera vaccine plant
A growing number of Macao citizens are embracing the opportunities for cross-border employment in Hengqin of Zhuhai City, south China's Guangdong Province, achieving professional growth while enjoying the convenience of a dual-city lifestyle.
One such individual is Hoi Peng, a Macao-born lawyer practicing in Hengqin. Since the establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin in 2021, Hoi has taken advantage of the new opportunities to open a joint venture law firm.
The firm offers cross-border legal services to clients and businesses in Macao and the mainland on Hong Kong- and Macao-related affairs.
"There are more opportunities in the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao) Greater Bay Area and In-depth Cooperation Zone, which provide a bigger stage for our work. In addition to opening a joint law firm, I also obtained the qualification to practice law in the Greater Bay Area, allowing me to handle cases on the mainland," said Hoi.
With her business flourishing, Hoi moved her family from Macao to Hengqin, embarking on a dual-city lifestyle that brings both professional opportunities and everyday convenience.
"It's a new world for us. I often recommend my friends to move to Hengqin. The living environment here is more spacious than in Macao, and it's incredibly convenient. For example, products ordered online are delivered directly to our doorstep," she said.
Like Hoi, Macao restaurateur Tong Sio Kun also reaped unexpected benefits of cross-border entrepreneurship. A few years ago, Tong opened a restaurant in Hengqin, supported by favorable policies like rent subsidies and business incentives.
With a focus on creating unique dishes, Tong's restaurant saw a significant increase in customer traffic. Within just a few months, she recouped her initial investment and made a profit.
"Over the past few years, we've seen returns, and our business has grown several times in size. I'm confident that I will open three more restaurants in Hengqin within the next two years," Tong said. In recent years, Macao citizens have found it increasingly easy to practice their professions on the mainland. Professionals such as tour guides, lawyers, architects, and pharmacists are now allowed to work across borders. In addition, culinary, beauty, and catering qualifications are mutually recognized between Guangdong and Macao.
As integration between Hengqin and Macao picks up speed, more and more Macao talents are choosing to live and work in Hengqin. By July this year, the number of Macao-funded enterprises in the In-depth Cooperation Zone had reached 6,365, up nearly 40 percent from three years ago. By September, more than 20,000 people from Macao were living and working in Hengqin.
Macao citizens enjoy cross-border opportunities, dual-city lifestyle in Hengqin
Macao citizens enjoy cross-border opportunities, dual-city lifestyle in Hengqin
