Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Former Minister of Finance Katele Kalumba has joined those advising government to start forging much smarter partnerships with China.
Dr. Kalumba is advising government to ensure whatever partnership it enters into with China is based on the understanding of what the national, strategic and vital interests are.
He says government should also negotiate based on Zambia’s resource base, capacity and organizational skill.
Dr. Kalumba, who served in various ministerial positions in the Frederick Chiluba led MMD government, tells Q-News that Zambia does not need simple reproductive squeeze in any of its bilateral partnerships.
He notes that much of the current debt Zambia owes China was accrued under very bad terms.
Dr. Kalumba is however optimistic that if the loans secured from China are properly managed and invested, the Country will be able to pay off what it owes.
The former Minister of Finance has also expressed doubt that China would seize Zambia’s assets in an event that the Country defaulted on its debt.