The Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles (ZCMT) which was closed in 2008 will be re-opened before the end of this year.

Defence Minister, Kalombo Mwansa told parliament yesterday that the re-opening of the textile in Kabwe will create over 1,000 jobs for the local people.

He said government is in talks with China to see how much the two countries that are joint owners of the textile company will each contribute as working capital for the operations of the company.

He said government is also thinking of taking a majority share holding in the company to have major control of the company and avoid closures in future.

Dr. Mwansa said government is through the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) also looking for a third partner to acquire the shares in the plant to reduce the percentage ownership by the two countries

He said the government will also ensure that the textile acquires the state of the art technology and produce products that will penetrate the international market.

Dr. Mwansa said this in response to Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Davies Mwango who wanted to know when the Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe will be re-opened.

He further disclosed that the partner pulled out of the company because the company was not making profits and that the machines were obsolete.

The Textile which was closed in 2008 is jointly owned by China and Zambia who have 66 percent and 34 percentage share holding respectively.

ZANIS