Government and the private sector have stepped up efforts to address challenges facing Zimbabwe’s manufacturing industry, including the rising threat of counterfeit and smuggled goods.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce holds quarterly meetings with Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) to discuss issues affecting businesses and find possible solutions.
Speaking during the latest meeting held at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Industry and Commerce Minister N.M. Ndhlovu said the meeting was important because it would help shape the State of Industry Report to be presented to Government.
“Today’s meeting is important because it sets the tone for the presentation of the State of Industry Report to Government,” Minister Ndhlovu said.
The minister said Government was encouraged by the performance of the manufacturing sector, which he said was making a significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, he said more needed to be done to reduce Zimbabwe’s high import bill by increasing local production.
“The cost of doing business needed to be addressed continuously to ensure that local companies remained competitive and productive,” he said.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the minister said he expected the economy to perform strongly during the final quarter of the year due to increased demand during the festive season.
“I expect the last quarter of the year to do very well because of high demand due to the festive season activities,” he said.
However, Hon. Ndhlovu warned that the festive season could also bring an increase in counterfeit products and smuggled goods.
“It is during this time that the economy also witness the surge of counterfeit products and smuggled goods,” he said.
He challenged industry players to work with Government and come up with practical ways of fighting the problem.
The Ministry said it was encouraged by the willingness of industry to support Government in fighting counterfeiting and smuggling.
“The Ministry is happy that Industry is keen on supporting Government to fight counterfeit and smuggling,” it said.
The quarterly meetings are part of Government’s efforts to maintain regular communication with businesses and ensure that their concerns are taken into account when policies are developed.
The latest meeting also highlighted the need for Government and industry to work together to protect local businesses, promote local production and ensure that consumers have access to genuine products.