BAT recommits to Zimbabwe

Published: 28 January 2014

THE country's largest cigarette manufacturer, British American Tobacco Zimbabwe (BAT) has reaffirmed its total commitment to continue operating in the country and promote value addition on the country's most valuable agricultural commodity.

In 2013, there were reports that the company was planning to scale down operations in the country amid indications the cigarette maker could resort to outsourcing local brands from its global network, raising fears of retrenchments.

The firm's managing director, Lovemore Manatsa, said his company had no plans to leave or divest from Zimbabwe and would continue to operate at full throttle.

"BAT Zimbabwe wishes to reassure its valued business partners and shareholders that the company has no plans to leave, or divest from Zimbabwe and continues to operate at full capacity," said Manatsa in a statement.

He said BAT Zimbabwe has a strong business base in the country and it sought to maintain that position.

"We believe we have a strong business in Zimbabwe because we uphold high standards of business conduct and it is recognised by all our stakeholders," said Manatsa.

"We are incredibly proud of our commitment to our people and the country at large. Empowerment is entrenched within the way we do business.

"The BAT Zimbabwe Employee Share Ownership Trust and Tobacco Empowerment Trust is evidence of our investment in the sustainable development of our industry and country."

Manatsa said the company values all their customers in different sectors of the economy who have contributed to their growth and Zimbabwe's economy at large.

"BAT Zimbabwe aspires to be a constructive partner and corporate citizen in the national dialogue on how to attract and retain investment in our manufacturing sector and the country.

"Our company plans forward, as such in 2014 as we have done for over 100 years, we remain firmly focused on value addition to Zimbabwe's most valuable agricultural commodity, tobacco," said Manatsa.
- herald

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