Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Thursday.

--Authorities in Zambia have constituted a Committee to provide professional and technical opinion on the type of jobs that should be done by foreigners in the country's mining industry.

The decision was aimed at ensuring that investment in the mining sector was secured and protected while at the same time guaranteeing employment opportunities for local people.

The decision to establish the committee follows consultations held between the government and mining firm, according to an immigration department spokesperson. (Times of Zambia)

--Zambian President Edgar Lungu said the 19 agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Zambia and Morocco will enhance bilateral relations and trade between the two countries.

Lungu said the agreements, signed when Moroccan King Mohammed VI visited Zambia early this week, were for the mutual benefit of the two countries and urged Zambians to take advantage of the agreements. (Zambia Daily Mail)

--The Zambian government intends to appoint boards that will be responsible for running of markets and bus stations in the country in order to bring sanity in the two places which have been invaded by supporters of political parties.

Minister of Local Government Vincent Mwale said the decision was meant to eliminate the undesirable influence of the various political parties and also ensure adequate revenue collections for local authorities. (Daily Nation)

--A report of Malawi's parliamentary committee on agriculture, irrigation and public accounts has implicated Zambia's agriculture minister Dora Siliya in the maizegate scandal which has seen that country's agriculture minister being fired.

The report said the Zambian minister flouted procedure when she allowed her permanent secretary to issue an export permit to Malawian firm. (The Mast) Endit