Reopening of China-Zambia textile joint venture in sight as new machinery arrives

Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga (2nd L) cuts the ribbon at a ceremony unveiling the equipment and machinery transported from China in Kabwe, Zambia, Aug. 26, 2024.
A China-Zambia textile joint venture in central Zambia has recently celebrated the arrival of the first batch of new equipment and machinery, which marked a significant step toward resuming production after a 17-year hiatus. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
LUSAKA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — A China-Zambia textile joint venture in central Zambia has recently celebrated the arrival of the first batch of new equipment and machinery, which marked a significant step toward resuming production after a 17-year hiatus.
At a ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Monday, Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said that the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles will boost economic development in Central Province and nearby areas by directly creating about 500 jobs and revitalizing Zambia’s cotton industry.
Wang Chuanyuan, chairman of Mulungushi Textiles, said the company will usher in a new chapter in its development and improve livelihoods.
Albert Halwampa, director-general of the Zambia Development Agency, said the factory’s reopening is “a milestone” for the Zambian government and people and looks forward to the mutually beneficial cooperation between Zambia and China.
Located in the town of Kabwe, Mulungushi Textiles began construction in 1978 and was once one of Zambia’s largest textile companies. It ceased operations in 2007.
The consensus on redeveloping Mulungushi Textiles was noted in a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, during Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to China in September 2023. ■

Albert Halwampa, director-general of the Zambia Development Agency, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Kabwe, Zambia, Aug. 26, 2024.
A China-Zambia textile joint venture in central Zambia has recently celebrated the arrival of the first batch of new equipment and machinery, which marked a significant step toward resuming production after a 17-year hiatus. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga speaks during a ceremony unveiling the equipment and machinery transported from China in Kabwe, Zambia, Aug. 26, 2024.
A China-Zambia textile joint venture in central Zambia has recently celebrated the arrival of the first batch of new equipment and machinery, which marked a significant step toward resuming production after a 17-year hiatus. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Wang Chuanyuan, chairman of Mulungushi Textiles, speaks during a ceremony unveiling the equipment and machinery transported from China in Kabwe, Zambia, Aug. 26, 2024.
A China-Zambia textile joint venture in central Zambia has recently celebrated the arrival of the first batch of new equipment and machinery, which marked a significant step toward resuming production after a 17-year hiatus. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Containers of equipment and machinery transported from China are seen in front of the office building of Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe, Zambia, Aug. 26, 2024.
A China-Zambia textile joint venture in central Zambia has recently celebrated the arrival of the first batch of new equipment and machinery, which marked a significant step toward resuming production after a 17-year hiatus. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)