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Prosper Ndlovu, Business Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa expressed pride over the positive strides being registered by the country’s industries — taking advantage of the supportive Government policy reforms.

These have enhanced domestic output at a time when the global economy is being battered by the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

The country’s manufacturing sector capacity utilisation is expected to clock about 61 percent by the end of this year from 54 percent registered in the second quarter, according to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI).

This is a milestone considering that industry capacity closed 2020 at 47 percent, having risen from 36 percent in 2019.

The jump in productivity has been attributed to spiking demand, macro-economic stability, fiscal incentives and improved access to foreign currency through formal channels, among other policy enhancement measures.

Local businesses have responded positively by adopting the Local Content Strategy, aimed at building adequate domestic value chains and substituting imports, said President Mnangagwa who was in Bulawayo to officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 61st Edition that was held late last month.

While the prime trade expo was cancelled last year due to Covid-19, the President said he was impressed by the diverse and high quality of goods and services showcased at this year’s ZITF, especially considering the fact that local produce is now dominating both shelf space in retail outlets, as well as exhibition space.

“The private sector has made sure they perform extremely well so that we never again stop them from holding this exhibition.

The quality of products and arrangements, you wonder whether we are in Zimbabwe under sanctions,” said President Mnangagwa immediately after finishing his tour of stands.

“It’s really amazing that we’re achieving  and what we have achieved under the conditions. I’m proud of our people in the private sector. You deserve due commendation.”

The revival of the private sector buttresses the ideals of the National Development Strategy (NDS1:2021-2025), a key building block towards realisation of Vision 2030.

Improved output also positioned Zimbabwe towards fulfilling the African Union Agenda 2063 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for improved livelihoods.

Later in his official opening speech, President Mnangagwa told delegates, who included Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet Ministers, diplomats and industry executives, that Zimbabwe was making huge strides in transforming its economy.

With a Gross Domestic Product growth (GDP) projection of 7,8 percent this year, up from the initial 7,4 percent, the

President said Zimbabwe has become “one of the fastest growing economies” in the region as well as one of the fastest movers on the World Bank Doing Business Index.

“These milestones demonstrate the convergence of the positive national sentiments and unity of purpose between the private sector, Government and all the people of our great country,” he said.

“This also serves as a testimony of the confidence stakeholders have in Zimbabwe’s economy. The demonstration of solidarity and co-operation must be consolidated . . . The Second Republic will continue to guarantee a predictable policy environment where capital feels safe.”

President Mnangagwa said the on-going economic reform agenda was not only making Zimbabwe a favourable investment destination but has scored successes in containing inflation and realisation of budget surplus, as opposed to deficits as was the case in the past years.

He said the country’s foreign earnings, which have reached over US$5 billion so far this year, were evidence of an economy on a growth trajectory despite the adverse impact of the pandemic.

Going forward, the President said efforts to transform the economy from an exporter of predominantly primary products to higher value industrial production would be intensified.

He directed Government agencies and departments to play their part and support the country’s industrial revolution.

In doing so, Zimbabwe is alive to the digitalisation imperative, which demands that local industries adopt smarter, sustainable and digitally enabled manufacturing and supply chain models.

To this end, President Mnangagwa has challenged the private sector to create synergies and collaborations with start-ups at the country’s institutions of higher learning. He also implored the small to medium enterprises to take advantage of the simplification of the tax regime to enhance discipline and good corporate citizenship within the sector.

In line with the Government’s engagement and re-engagement drive, the President said it was critical to attract more investments and grow exports by penetrating global markets as a building block towards opening the economy.