By BUUMBA CHMBULU
FIVE State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have been identified to participate in the special economic zone to be set up in Mpulungu, making it the largest partnership in the Industrial Development Corporation Group (IDC).
The Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ) is currently in talks with Mpulungu Harbour to set up a second Special Economic Zone in the country that is expected to cater to a much larger market.
This is according to the LS-MFEZ Manager- Corporate Affairs, Alice Schultz, who stressed that the project would be spear headed by Zambians who had gained adequate experience and skills on the planning and implementation of Special Economic Zones.
Ms Schultz indicated that about five SOEs had so far been identified to participate in the special zone to be set up in Mpulungu.
The project, she explained in an interview, would further enhance inter-group business amongst SOEs and in particular within the IDC Group.
“There will be need for involvement of various stakeholders in the actualization and development of this Economic Zone; we envision the need for a rail line and that will call for the involvement of Zambia Railways and other SEOs interested in the project to come on board.
“The strengths of all partners will be harnessed in the successful delivery of the project and will be used for wealth and job creation opportunities whilst increasing Zambia’s trade volumes of finished products in COMESA and SADC regions,” she said.
Ms Schultz said the project would be a total package for all Investors as it would cover cargo, logistics for local and international exports, and a diversified investment sector.
The project, she said, would target the Great Lakes Region but most of the products may be moved towards South-eastern and western parts of Zambia.
She stated that the setting up of the Economic Zone was intended to facilitate and enhance the movement and trade of commodities.
“Mpulungu has been found to be one of the best sites across Zambia to invest in a value addition and manufacturing facility.
“This facility will facilitate local and international investors to set up factories that will add value to local raw materials from agricultural products, and minerals forestry products to aqua marine and tourism,” Ms Schultz said.
