Kapata calls for more investment in timber industry

THERE should be more investment in the timber industry in order to create value addition and employment so that more Zambians can benefit from the country’s’ natural resources, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata has said. Speaking during the CNZ Furniture display at Golden Peacock in Lusaka recently, Ms Kapata said government had put in place an enabling environment in which the processing of timber and its by-products could flourish.

She, however, reiterated that government would only support companies and industries which would process timber and use it to produce finished products such as couches, chairs and doors within the country. “This does not mean that we will support the export of raw timber, No! I would like to encourage more companies to emulate what CNZ Furniture is doing by harnessing our natural resources and producing affordable and high quality furniture right here in Zambia. The ban on the export of timber remains until further notice,” Ms Kapata said. And CNZ Furniture Company Chief Executive Officer Shi Peng Ye thanked the Zambian government for putting in place an enabling environment in which investors could trade and grow their businesses.

Mr Peng Ye said CNZ furniture used local teak and rosewood to manufacture their products which had created more than 260 jobs for Zambians. He said his company was an example of the positive results which the Zambia China friendship had yielded over the years.

Speaking at the same event, one of CNZ Furniture Company Business partners, Rogers Nkandu, said CNZ had brought business success and rewards to his business.