By Burnett Munthali
President Lazarus Chakwera has announced his intention to promote Malawi’s “ATM Strategy”—focusing on Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining—at the Fourth Summit Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China. Speaking this morning at Kamuzu International Airport before his departure, Chakwera emphasized the strategy’s potential to attract investment and foster growth in these crucial sectors.
The ATM Strategy is designed to boost Malawi’s economic development by targeting three key areas:
– *Agriculture*: Enhancing productivity and sustainability in Malawi’s agricultural sector.
– *Tourism*: Promoting Malawi’s natural and cultural attractions to increase tourism revenue.
– *Mining*: Developing the country’s mining industry to leverage its mineral resources.
President Chakwera’s goal is to leverage the FOCAC platform to secure support and investments that will accelerate the implementation of this strategy.
At the summit, President Chakwera will join fellow African Heads of State and Government to discuss and adopt the 2025-2027 Beijing FOCAC Plan of Action. This plan will outline the strategic direction for China-Africa cooperation over the next three years, covering various sectors including trade, infrastructure, and technology.
A significant aspect of President Chakwera’s visit will be his bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. These discussions aim to strengthen the diplomatic and economic relations between Malawi and China. The talks are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in transport infrastructure projects, which are crucial for Malawi’s development.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, President Chakwera is scheduled to return to Malawi on September 7 through Chileka International Airport. The outcomes of the FOCAC summit and his meetings with Chinese leaders are anticipated to have a substantial impact on Malawi’s strategic partnerships and development goals.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s participation in the FOCAC summit in Beijing represents a significant opportunity for Malawi to advance its economic interests and strengthen bilateral relations with China. By promoting the ATM Strategy and engaging in high-level discussions, Chakwera aims to secure valuable support for Malawi’s agricultural, tourism, and mining sectors, paving the way for future growth and collaboration
