Government has declared the import ban that sparked mass protests in Beitbridge border post as a temporary measure that will be uplifted in due time.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha has urged local industry to use the import ban window to retool and increase domestic output saying the restriction would not be “forever”.
The government implemented Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016, which prohibits importation of several products that are locally available from the general imports.
“The imports ban isn’t forever. Its purpose is to support retooling and capitalisation of local firms but with time our companies will have to face competition in the global market,” Bimha told delegates at the just ended ZNCC 2016 congress in Victoria Falls.
The minister said the reactions by cross border traders and retail players over imports restriction were normal as some people were benefiting from the previous arrangement.
He pleaded with Zimbabweans to support the government in revitalising local firms and improving the economy.
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has also called for import substitution saying the new import rules were crucial in preserving jobs and enhancing capacity utilisation.
- Chronicle
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