Business community criticise the Buy Zimbabwe Campaign

The Zimbabwe business community has criticised the recently launched Buy Zimbabwe Campaign which they say should be shelved until challenges hampering production on the local industry are addressed.
 
The Buy Zimbabwe Campaign whose objective is to raise awareness on the need for consumers to buy products manufactured in the country as a way of promoting local industry has been criticised amid calls for stakeholders to focus on revamping the local industry first before pushing for its protection.

Analysts say that while the Buy Zimbabwe initiative is noble, the timing is not correct given the low capacity utilisation levels and unavailability of locally produced goods on the shelves. They feel that the campaign can only make sense if the local industry is capacitated to produce at par with other regional countries.

Some observers feel there is need to address fundamental challenges facing the local industry such as lack of funding, unreliable power supplies and ageing equipment.

However, Buy Zimbabwe Campaign spokesperson, Mr. Munyaradzi Hwengwere said despite industrial challenges prevailing currently, the campaign focuses on quality products that are produced locally.

Industry has in the past appealed for protection from the alleged unfair competition coming from foreign imports.

Half year economic performance figures from the fiscal authority indicate that the country remains a major importer.