File photo shows production commencement ceremony of the South East Ore Body (SEOB), Nonferrous China Africa (NFCA) in Zambia's Chambishi town on Aug. 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Vincent Chen)

LUSAKA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- A Zambian arts body has urged entities and individuals involved in arts and theatre in the country to take advantage of the Zambia-China year 2019 so as to gain maximum benefits from the initiative.

2019 is The Zambia-China Year, an event meant to enhance the overall visibility of Zambia in China and promote Zambia as a preferred tourist destination and investment for the Chinese.

"This is a welcome initiative that will help boost the arts and tourism industry in Zambia," said National Arts Council of Zambia Vice Chairperson Agness Nyendwa.

"A great opportunity has been presented to persons and entities in the business of arts and theatre to market and sell their products and services outside Zambia," said Nyendwa. "This is an opportunity that ought to be fully utilized."

According to Nyendwa, the initiative is demonstration of the two countries' wish to actualize economic development in all sectors of the economy for either country.

"Arts are an important part of tourism and culture. It is therefore important to ensure that those involved in different kinds artistic works take the Zambia-China year seriously and produce outstanding works even beyond this year," said Nyendwa.

She added that for its part, the Council stands ready to provide guidance and other support for those seeking to make the most of 2019 Zambia-China year.

Zambia's Ministry of Tourism and Arts recently said in a statement that the initiative is a culmination of earlier efforts to promote Zambian Culture and Arts in China, which began with the "Road Show" in 2016 and the Zambia Week in Sichuan Province in 2017.

The ministry also said that preparations for the Zambia-China Year have already begun and the ministry is working on the plan to roll out the programs.