The Chinese embassy in Malawi says it is committed to protect the plight of Malawian workers from any form of exploitation and has since warned its nationals against breaking the country’s labour laws saying any-one found will be expelled.

People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Malawi His Excellency Lin Song Tian made the announcement in Lilongwe on Thursday when he presented different office equipment to Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU).

Ambassador Tian said a country cannot develop if its citizen are not protected from abuses from employers and it is for this reason that People’s Republic of China has come forward to equip MCTU to effectively fight for the workers.

The ambassador said China survived the world economic meltdown because it respects its employees, empowered labour unions and has since called upon the world to recognize efforts being made by the People’s Republic of China.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the equipments, President of MCTU Luther Mambala said the equipment will strengthen its capacity in the fight for workers rights.

In an interview with ZBS, Mr. Mambala disclosed that the institution will this year fight for the increase of labour wages from the current K129.00 per day to K266.00 per day saying the latter is below the recommended MDGS remuneration of above one United States Dollar per day.

In his remark, Minister of Labour Yunus Mussa who was the guest of honour at the function said his ministry will give the union all the support and will intensify the campaign against workers abuse.

The minister commended the People’s Republic of China for the continued support it has rendered to the people of Malawi saying this vindicates why the country switched diplomatic relationship from Taiwan to China.

The office equipment that has been donated includes a heavy duty photocopier machine, four computers, printers, fax machines, external hard drives and flash drives worth over one million Kwacha.