Move to remove blankets on Open General Import License welcomed

The textile sector in Zimbabwe has welcomed the move by Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa to remove blankets from the Open General Import License for a period of 24 months, saying the move would boost their capacity.

However, the sector was quick to urge the government to be implementers of the policies not only crafters. Presenting his mid-year fiscal policy review last week, Chinamasa said the textile industry was one of the low hanging fruits, whereby turnaround could be realized within a short period, if adequate support was availed.

He proposed to introduce a Manufacturers' Rebate of duty on critical inputs imported by approved textile manufacturers. This rebate of duty will cover spare parts, yarn and unbleached fabric, among others.