Zambia and China have engaged in talks to revive the defunct Mulungushi-China textiles in Kabwe.

Defence Minister George Mpombo revealed that a team of experts have been in the country carrying out technical assessment on the viability of the company.

Mr. Mpombo said the team of experts from China will be in the country for one month to capture and compile a comprehensive technical report which will be presented to both governments.

Mr. Mpombo disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Ezulwini, Swaziland.

He said the outcome of assessment which is expected before May would provide the way forward in terms of recapitalisation, investment and also strengthening the joint venture.

The Defence Minister said the two countries are committed to support and ensure that the company is competitive.

��The team of experts have so far captured a comprehensive factor of what we need to ensure the company is back into serious business and further strengthened. For us as government this is a significant development,�� said Mr. Mpombo.

With the restoration of Mulungushi-China textiles about 2,500 jobs will be created and the out growers activities revamped.

��When the company closed down two years ago many jobs were lost and even the peasant farmers who were involved in growing cotton for the company lost their business. Now, once the joint venture is revived, about 2,500 jobs will be created thereby turning the economy of Kabwe around,�� said Mr. Mpombo.

The Defence Minister pointed out that Zambia and China would like to ensure the company is utilised to its full capacity.

��For the last two years there has been serious hiccups in operations and a yawning capacity of that company. That company has the capacity to export and do miracles for the country,�� said Mr. Mpombo.

Mulungushi-China closed down two years ago due to lack of capital injection paralysing economic activities in Kabwe.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mpombo commended the defence forces in the country for their professional conduct which he said has earned the country increased international recognition.

He said as a result of the high-quality conduct of the men and women in uniform, the United Nations has requested for an expanded deployment of Zambian peace keepers.

He has since advised the defence forces in the country to maintain the excellent conduct and to further be loyal to the government of the day.

The defence and security wings should not divert from their core responsibility of maintaining peace and security in the country so that Zambians can do their businesses peacefully,said Mr. Mpombo