Clamp down on cheap imports – Chinamasa

via Multimedia: Clamp down on cheap imports – Chinamasa – NewsDay Zimbabwe by Tariasai Mandizha September 24, 2013

FINANCE minister Patrick Chinamasa yesterday said business should increase capacity utilisation and clamp down on cheap imports coming into the country.

Addressing captains of industry at the Zimra Taxpayers’ Appreciation Day commemorations in Harare, Chinamasa said the country had suffered and been reduced to a warehouse of “everything”, adding that this should stop.

“I advise captains of industry and commerce to increase industrial capacity utilisation to boost production,” Chinamasa said.

“I understand we have suffered, we have lost ground and we have been reduced to become a warehouse of everything from sweet potatoes, okra and tomatoes.”

He said Zimbabwe should clamp down on cheap imports that were currently coming into the country.
The minister said government was prioritising the revitalisation of all sectors of the economy to boost production and revive industries that have ceased operations.

“As you all appreciate, the illegal economic sanctions have severely constrained the manufacturing sector, especially in the textile and clothing sub-sectors,” Chinamasa said.

He said government was ready to support the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)in its quest to improve infrastructure and facilities, especially at the border posts, in order to enhance convenience to the transacting public.

Zimbabwe Imports by Trade Partner, 2012

Chinamasa said government would unveil, next month, policies which support and broaden the industry.