"China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC) has so far provided employment to 6,500 people in Zambia in the past decade," Luo Tao, general manager of CNMC said in Beijing Friday.

Luo Tao, general manager of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd.

"Regarding the families of workers, CNMC gives them baby chicks for free and then buys them back again when they’re all grown up. This way, local women can make money without any capital input, and our employees get chicken dishes to eat.” Luo remarked, adding that CNMC has also donated sewing machines.

CNMC first invested in Zambia with the Chambishi Brass Plant in 1998. CNMC later built the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (ZCCZ), investing in another five local companies. The ZCCZ is considered a good example of Sino-African cooperation in Africa.

"By now, CNMC has paid more than US$50 million in taxes and offered US$5 million in aid or sponsorship to Zambia,” Luo said.

State-owned CNMC has invested in more than 20 countries and regions around the world, including Thailand, Mongolia, Zambia and Laos. Among those, Zambia’s investment has been the most successful.

It is reported that CNMC has also dug a well for hundreds of local teachers and students in Myanmar, as well as built temples, roads and gardens in Mongolia. Hospitals have also been built to offer free treatment to local workers and family members.

Luo attributed the successful cooperation with foreign companies to the following three aspects: first, CNMC provided a great deal of aid while investing in these countries; second, the company thoroughly studied the local laws; and third, it makes sure to fulfill all of its obligations in these countries.

"CNMC, like other Chinese investors, is a symbol of China in foreign countries and regions. We should do our best to fulfill our responsibility to the countries we invest in,” Luo said.

(China Development Gateway by Unisumoon March 5, 2010)