Retailers push for business, govt dialogue 

Source: Retailers push for business, govt dialogue – NewsDay Zimbabwe

BY LORRAINE MUROMO
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has urged government to engage business stakeholders to help solve challenges affecting retailers and consumers.

This comes as prices of basic goods and services in the country have soared due to inflation, rampant fuel price increases and depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar.

The government has blamed the rise in the cost of living in the country to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a statement yesterday, CZR president Denford Mutashu, who has come out in full support of the Reserve Bank of Zimbawe’s currency auction system, said: “Dialogue and engagement is imperative to ensure market stability as dealing with unintended consequences cost more to the consumer.”

“It is critical to note that business and the government have been engaging cordially behind closed doors via several platforms. For the record, the Dutch auction system should be sustained and strengthened.

“CZR is alive to the ongoing business challenges posed by the forex parallel market exchange rate, local and imported inflation, structural concerns and depreciation of the local currency. However, the auction market must continue acting as a stabilising agent and ensure protection of consumers.”

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary-general Japhet Moyo said workers were in full support of engagements between government, business and consumers.

“I think it is important for the government to consult as widely as possible on issues affecting consumers. Let us engage and dialogue,” Moyo said.

Recently, government introduced a platform where business discusses issues affecting the economy with Finance minister Mthuli Ncube.

Retailers and workers also want to be included in the platform.