Lusaka (dpa0 - Chinese president Hu Jintao was arriving in Zambia
Saturday under very tight security, with media drastically reduced to
just five camera personnel and two photo-journalists meeting him.
Information Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Nyirenda also said
journalists would also not be allowed to ask Hu any questions, in
order to 'avoid overcrowding' him.
Nyirenda denied any gagging of the media. Observers said the
measures were seen as exerted pressure by Chinese officials in view
of Zambian media interest particularly in human rights.
Patriotic Front President Michael Sata and his officials have also
been denied invitations to events following their criticism of the
Chinese presence in Zambia, repeatedly accusing the Chinese of trade
exploitation.
Hu's talks with Zambian counterpart Levy Mwanawasa were expected
to focus on trade which has dramatically expanded.
Talks were expected to centre on mining, agriculture, road
infrastructure development, telecommunications, water and sanitation
and the hospitality industry, against a backdrop of Zambia?s vast
copper, cobalt and other rich mineral wealth.
Former economic advisor to the Mwanawasa administration
Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika described Hu's visit as an 'ideal'
chance to open a new chapter of trade cooperation based on fair
cooperation, without one side dictating to the other.
When Zambia privatized mines and state enterprises, mine and other
investors were given lucrative incentives such non-payment of tax for
considerable periods.
Lusaka economist David Punabantu lamented: 'These guys exported
huge profits back to countries of origin and wound their business,
leaving workers in the lurch.'
He added: 'The Zambian economy should begin to tick aggressively
especially that copper prices on the international market hovered
around 6,000 dollars a ton.'
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur 
USA
Your Talkback on this Story