'It's time to act,' says Bimha

Industry and Commerce Minister Mr Mike Bimha

Published: 10 October 2013

Industry and Commerce Minister Mr Mike Bimha said yesterday there is nothing much to discuss on reviving Zimbabwe's ailing manufacturing sector except to focus on putting plans into action.

He pointed out that there should be a collective call for removal of sanctions and effective engagements of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Citing a number of economic blue prints previously adopted by the Government, Minister Bimha, a former industrialist said the documents offered similar solutions, but what had been lacking was implementation. "A lot of plans are already in place," Minister Binha said while officially opening this year's edition of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries in Bulawayo on Wednesday.

"I think through this approach, I will be able to proffer the imperatives necessary to collectively and historically address the de-industrialisation condurum."

"The challenges that have caused our industry to be bed ridden in the comatose state, though well known and thoroughly documented are still regrettably waiting for delivery of the prescriptions. These documents include among others, Economic Structural Adjustment programme, Zimprest and the National Economic Development Plan.

"Post these, and more recently, the inclusive Government crafted a number of polices such as Short Term Economic Recovery Programmes, the Medium Term Plan, the Industrial Development policy and the Trade Policy."

Some of the factors that have constrained the industry include low aggregate demand due to los low disposable incomes across households has resulted in the manufacturing sectors operating below capacity.
- herald

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