IDC, Chinese firm forge textile partnership
By a Correspondent
THE Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Shandong Liutuan Home Textile Company have signed a strategic intention for an integrated textile project in Zambia.
The signing moves the proposed partnership from initial engagement into a structured phase of assessment and planning.
IDC chief executive officer Cornwell Muleya said the two parties would undertake due diligence, establish arrangements for the exchange of confidential information and develop the project concept before negotiating a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Muleya said the process would determine the project’s scope, investment requirements, implementation phases and responsibilities before investment.
“The proposed initiative can cover the entire textile value chain, from cotton cultivation and ginning to spinning, yarn production, weaving, dyeing, printing, finished fabrics, garments and home textiles,” he said.
Muleya said the initiative could create opportunities in skills development, technology transfer, logistics and supporting services while opening access to regional markets.
“Our ambition reaches beyond cotton growing or yarn production to a connected industry that processes Zambian inputs into fabrics and finished products, creates jobs and builds export capability,” he said.
Muleya said the approach was in line with the value addition objectives envisaged under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
He said Shandong Liutuan brought experience in textile raw materials, weaving, dyeing, printing and home textile production, which would be assessed for its potential to support commercially viable production and skills development in Zambia.
The proposed project would complement existing textile investments, including Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles, while creating scope for additional production, local supplier participation and export market development.
“These will be established through the joint assessment and project planning process. The first phase of the project is envisaged for the first quarter of 2027,” Muleya said.
He said the strategic intention provided a framework for the two parties to develop a project road map and determine the agreements and approvals required before the proposed investment can proceed to implementation.
