Once one of Zambia's largest textile companies, Mulungushi Textiles—started as a joint venture between the Zambian defence ministry and China's Qingdao Textiles and supported by the Chinese government—ceased operations in 2007.

The decision to redevelop the Mulungushi Textiles factory was part of a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership during Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's state visit to China in September last year.

At a ceremony announcing the reopening of the textile unit, Zambian commerce, trade and industry minister Chipoka Mulenga said the reopening will boost economic development in the Central Province and nearby areas and revitalise the domestic cotton industry, according to a news agency.

Mulungushi's core operations earlier included spinning, ginning, garment manufacturing, weaving, dyeing and printing for country's defence forces and Zambia Police Service from cotton materials decorated with prints.

The company exported to neighbouring countries in the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) with duty-free facility on imports created by the United States.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)