Top news items in major Zambia median outlets

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

-- The Zambian government said copper production was likely to hit 2 million tons in 2018 owing to the increase in copper prices on the international market and a stable supply of energy to the mining sector.

Minister of Mines Christopher Yaluma further said the huge investments in the sector and the opening of new mines will greatly help Zambia to hit the 2 million tons mark in copper production. (Zambia Daily Mail)

-- A consumer watchgroup has called for a gradual implementation of the proposed hike in electricity tariffs by Zambia's power utility.

The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) said the gradual implementation would help consumers cope with the financial challenges that would come with the increment.

Zesco Limited has proposed a 75 percent increment in tariffs for 2017. (Times of Zambia)

-- Zambia and Malawi plan to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance the facilitation of quick clearance of products exported into Malawi and reduce the cost of doing business.

The Zambia Bureau of Standards said it will sign the memorandum of understanding with the Malawi Bureau of Standards following an increase in Zambian products entering Malawi. (Daily Nation) Endit