Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga has implored farmers in Central Province and surrounding areas to grow more cotton as they will soon have a guaranteed off taker market as former Mulungushi Textiles is set to resurrect.
Mulenga has assured that the defunct Mulungushi Textiles now Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles (ZCMT) in Kabwe will soon be operational.
The Minister Mulenga led a Chinese Embassy delegation, industry leaders, several government officials and jubilant Kabwe resident at hand to receive the first batch of containers laden with assorted manufacturing equipment that will lead to the textile firm’s operationalization.
Speaking during the event, Mulenga said government was committed to adding value to raw materials such as cotton and was looking forward to a time when fabrics such as chitenge material will once again be manufactured in Zambia.
He said revamping of the Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles, scheduled to operational before the end of 2024 will create direct and indirect jobs thereby reviving the once vibrant town of Kabwe.
The factory then known as Mulungushi Textiles ceased operations in January 2007.
Once fully functional, it’s envisaged that the facility will enable the country save a lot of money from uniforms of military and other state wings that currently import the items.
