Michael Sata to Chinese investors: Obey the rules

Michael Sata sworn in as Zambia’s President – REUTERS/Makson Wasamunu

Michael Sata, Zambia’s new president, told Chinese companies on Monday that they were welcome to invest in his copper-rich state, but warned them they had to obey national laws – especially by employing more Zambian workers.

Since being elected president on Friday , Sata met Chinese ambassador Zhou Yuxiao to dispel fears his sometimes fierce anti-Chinese rhetoric while in opposition would translate into a shift in investment policy.

Chinese companies that have so far ploughed more than US$2 billion into developing the mining sector in the southern African country would not be getting preferential treatment.

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