New Chinese ambassador hails Vision Group

The new Ambassador of China to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, has hailed the cordial relationship his country has with Vision Group.

While speaking in a zoom meeting organised by the Vision Group to introduce him to the company on Wednesday, he also noted that the “cordial relationship between China and Vision Group is impressive”, saying the media conglomerate plays a very important role in fostering the relationship between the two countries.

Don Wanyama, the Vision Group Managing Director

He commended the company for creating products that have exposed Ugandans to China and the Chinese to Uganda.

“The products are of importance to us; The New Era, My China Story and the competitions we sponsor for Ugandans-these products have established a bridge between the Embassy and the public in Uganda. Your assistance has been very much important to us to establish contact with the public,” he said.

Lizhong noted that the company has allowed China and its people to showcase their country and how it works, therefore, helping Ugandans to better understand China.

In fostering the relationship between the two countries, New Vision has over the years created products like the New Era monthly pullout, My China story, and Let's talk Chinese TV program, have not only exposed Ugandans to what China is doing in Uganda but have also allowed them to learn the language, and travel to the country.

“Thank you for the opportunity. Every day I read New Vision, it has very informative and interesting stories,” Lizhong noted.

Don Wanyama, the Vision Group Managing Director, noted that through the New Era magazine, Vision Group has been able to generate content that promotes the Uganda-China relationship.

The monthly pull out focuses on China-Uganda relations and covers a wide range of topics including projects China is undertaking in Uganda. It also has business opportunities between the two countries.

“The New Era creates a better understanding between our people of Uganda and the people of China, and they get to appreciate each other. We are able to share information and opportunities that exist in both countries. This publicity has gone a long way in instilling the spirit of brotherhood in Ugandans and to appreciate Chinese as brothers and sisters,” Wanyama said.

He appealed to the Embassy to encourage Chinese businesses operating in Uganda to take up opportunities presented by the magazine to showcase what they are doing.

Gervase Ndyanabo, the company secretary

He noted that the company is working on new projects that the Embassy can partner in to further strengthen the already existing relationship. These include a broadcast archive, a repository for all broadcast content that the company is working on, and an agricultural show.

In response, Lizhong expressed the Embassy’s wish to continue furthering the relationship, noting that they will evaluate the new projects and see how they can contribute to them.

He pledged support for the agricultural show, saying it is particularly important since Uganda exports food to China.

The Zoom meeting was also attended by the Editor in Chief, Barbra Kaija and Gervase Ndyanabo, the company secretary.