Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Visits Lafarge Zambian Cement Plant

On May 7, 2014, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao was invited to visit Lafarge Zambian Cement Plant in CHILANGA, Lusaka. Representatives of more than 10 Chinese-funded enterprises, including China Aviation International and Cathay Pacific Iron and Steel, attended the event.

Ambassador Zhou had a friendly conversation with Emmanuel Rigaux, CEO of Lafarge Zambia, and then visited the exhibition stand and production workshops of major customers of Chinese-funded enterprises in the factory, and listened to the introduction of relevant responsible persons in detail.

During the event, Ambassador Zhou thanked the factory for its sincere invitation and warm hospitality, and said that Lafarge Zambia Cement Plant, invested by Lafarge Group of France and expanded by Chinese-funded enterprises, was the result of cooperation among Chinese, Zambian and French enterprises, and the production, management and benefits of the cement plant were impressive. For a long time, the factory has maintained good cooperative relations with Chinese-funded customers and jointly served the local construction projects. It is hoped that Chinese-funded enterprises and Lafarge will exchange and learn from each other, strengthen cooperation, promote their own improvement and development, and jointly make greater contributions to Zambia's economic and social development and economic exchanges between countries.

Emmanuel Rigaux was deeply honored by the visit of Ambassador Zhou and his delegation, and thanked the Chinese side for its support and assistance since the establishment of Lafarge. Lafarge has enjoyed smooth cooperation and solid relations with customers of Chinese enterprises. He also said that the factory will further expand its cooperation with Chinese-funded enterprises in Zambia to provide customers with better products.

Lafarge Group of France is a world-renowned manufacturer of building materials. Its Zambian cement plant was expanded and opened in 2008, with an annual capacity of 1.23 million tons. It is the largest cement plant in Zambia at present, and its products are also exported to neighboring countries.