Chinese automobile giant Launch Design says it is proposing to set up an electric vehicle assembly plant in Zambia, as the country steps up efforts to boost local manufacturing.
Discussions were held during a visit by Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, to the company’s facilities in Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces.
Launch Design, through its subsidiaries Wuxi Launch Design and Jiangxi Longsheng Automobile Company, has indicated that it is open to either establishing a full assembly plant or creating a dealership for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles suitable for the Zambian market.
The Chinese firm has also pledged to provide training for local workers to manage operations
Meanwhile, Ambassador Zyuulu says Zambia has welcomed the proposal and is working to identify a local partner to facilitate the investment.
He has stressed that the project aligns with Zambia’s drive to industrialise and diversify its economy under the Eighth National Development Plan.
By Best Jere
