Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE government has launched a nationwide marketing campaign that seeks to promote capacity building and increased production in local industries. Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha at a function hosted by Buy Zimbabwe in Beitbridge last week said the campaign would run from September 30 to December 16 this year.

In a speech read on his behalf by a deputy director in his ministry, Dayford Nhema, the minister urged retailers to work closely with the government and manufacturers to facilitate economic growth.

“We should shout from the rooftops about our great produce and expect all parts of the supply chain to do likewise. Manufacturers should respond by playing an active role in providing quality products” said Bimha.

“It’s worth noting that in the contemporary global economic arena, import substitution and export orientation are not mutually exclusive but rather competitive strategies in achieving growth and economic stability.”

He said it was important for the government to assist domestic companies through the promotion of domestic brands.

The minister commended the Buy Zimbabwe initiative as a significant tool for economic restructuring.

“It helps us not to lose sight of the fact that the responsibility of advancing a competitive economic environment belongs to us all. If we’re to advance a real and vibrant economy, all stakeholders will need to share in the responsibility of investment and risk.

“In light of the foregoing the Buy Zimbabwe initiative is in line with Zim-Asset and the 10-Point-Plan for economic growth recently announced by President Robert Mugabe in his state on the nation address,” he said.

Minister Bimha said his ministry has been engaging local retailers on the steps they have to take to transform their approach to local sourcing.

He said the new marketing campaign offers great opportunities for Zimbabweans to engage on how to build the economy.

“This requires a change of attitude and mindset, as well as total demonstration of commitment,” said Bimha.

The minister expressed concern over the influx of imports in the form of clothes and consumer goods.

He said aggressive marketing of local products would create a sense of patriotism, nationhood and belonging among Zimbabweans and also build confidence in their economy.

Meanwhile, Beitbridge Senator Tambudzani Mohadi has called on businesses to consider investing in property and infrastructure development to accelerate growth.

She made the remarks last week while officiating at the opening of a $800,000 three-storey building which was funded by Lanaheil Investments.

“It’s high time business people started investing in property as we move towards the urbanisation of our town. As a border town we’re the preface to visitors to this country and hence the need to channel resources towards upgrading most of the infrastructure,” she said.

 

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