Zhao says Chinese firms ‘doing well’ on labour laws
Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, has defended Chinese businesses' conduct, saying cases of labour law violations among these companies have significantly declined.
Speaking at a press briefing in Windhoek on Tuesday, Zhao acknowledged that while there have been past reports of poor labour practices, the trend is shifting. “Several years ago, before I arrived, there were more reports of problems, but now they have become rare. If you read the major publications here, it’s clear these cases are no longer common,” Zhao said.
“Our embassy has always encouraged our companies and our citizens here to abide by the laws and regulations. This is something every responsible government should do. Just like any embassy in China would encourage their citizens to observe Chinese law, we do the same here,” he said.
The ambassador revealed that the embassy recently hosted a legal compliance seminar, inviting Namibian officials to brief Chinese business representatives on local labour and regulatory laws.
Uranium sector setting examples
Around 40 participants attended the session aimed at further educating Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
Zhao specifically praised major players in the uranium sector, saying they have set a good example. “Companies involved in uranium have become models of compliance. They not only adhere to legal standards but have also created thousands of well-paying jobs for Namibians,” he said.
He added that the two uranium mines run by Chinese firms currently contribute around 7% to Namibia’s GDP, employing up to 3,000 Namibians directly and creating another 3,000 indirect jobs.
“We are committed to further educating our citizens and enterprises here. It’s in both countries’ interests to maintain high standards,” he said.
However, these comments come against the backdrop of recent labour-related controversies.
In 2023, then Erongo Regional Council chairperson Benita Imbamba strongly criticised Chinese companies Xinfeng Investment and Longfire Investment over what she described as unfair labour practices and appalling living conditions for mine workers.
Squalid living conditions
Imbamba, who visited the companies’ joint mining operations outside Uis, expressed dismay at the squalid living conditions.
“Nothing has been done to improve the living conditions of the workers, despite promises by the companies,” a frustrated Imbamba told the media after the visit.
Her condemnation was backed by
The Mine Workers Union (MUN) western regional secretary, Filleppus Ampweya, echoed Imbamba's sentiments.
In a separate labour row last year, the Chinese embassy was under fire after social activist Michael Amushelelo alleged that Namibians employed at the Chinese embassy were being “exploited” and paid meagre wages.
In a swift rebuttal, the embassy rejected the claims.
“All local employees at the embassy are employed on the strength of valid and legal employment contracts which comply with the relevant laws of Namibia,” the statement read.
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Speaking at a press briefing in Windhoek on Tuesday, Zhao acknowledged that while there have been past reports of poor labour practices, the trend is shifting. “Several years ago, before I arrived, there were more reports of problems, but now they have become rare. If you read the major publications here, it’s clear these cases are no longer common,” Zhao said.
“Our embassy has always encouraged our companies and our citizens here to abide by the laws and regulations. This is something every responsible government should do. Just like any embassy in China would encourage their citizens to observe Chinese law, we do the same here,” he said.
The ambassador revealed that the embassy recently hosted a legal compliance seminar, inviting Namibian officials to brief Chinese business representatives on local labour and regulatory laws.
Uranium sector setting examples
Around 40 participants attended the session aimed at further educating Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
Zhao specifically praised major players in the uranium sector, saying they have set a good example. “Companies involved in uranium have become models of compliance. They not only adhere to legal standards but have also created thousands of well-paying jobs for Namibians,” he said.
He added that the two uranium mines run by Chinese firms currently contribute around 7% to Namibia’s GDP, employing up to 3,000 Namibians directly and creating another 3,000 indirect jobs.
“We are committed to further educating our citizens and enterprises here. It’s in both countries’ interests to maintain high standards,” he said.
However, these comments come against the backdrop of recent labour-related controversies.
In 2023, then Erongo Regional Council chairperson Benita Imbamba strongly criticised Chinese companies Xinfeng Investment and Longfire Investment over what she described as unfair labour practices and appalling living conditions for mine workers.
Squalid living conditions
Imbamba, who visited the companies’ joint mining operations outside Uis, expressed dismay at the squalid living conditions.
“Nothing has been done to improve the living conditions of the workers, despite promises by the companies,” a frustrated Imbamba told the media after the visit.
Her condemnation was backed by
The Mine Workers Union (MUN) western regional secretary, Filleppus Ampweya, echoed Imbamba's sentiments.
In a separate labour row last year, the Chinese embassy was under fire after social activist Michael Amushelelo alleged that Namibians employed at the Chinese embassy were being “exploited” and paid meagre wages.
In a swift rebuttal, the embassy rejected the claims.
“All local employees at the embassy are employed on the strength of valid and legal employment contracts which comply with the relevant laws of Namibia,” the statement read.
[email protected]
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