Moses Charedzera.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has applauded the work done by Buy Zimbabwe in the promotion of the produce local and buy local campaign over the last ten years.
The President was speaking at the Buy Zimbabwe 10th anniversary awards held in the capital on Friday.
“Over the years Buy Zimbabwe has successfully lobbied government for the enactment of laws and policies that support local production while also ensuring that the consumer’s right to choice is improved.
“Furthermore the relationship between local producers, retailers, consumers and other stakeholders has been enhanced.
“I therefore congratulate the Buy Zimbabwe team and all stakeholders who have worked hard throughout the years for the growth and market presence of locally manufactured products and services.
“Today we look back at the last ten years with jubilation and the years ahead with optimism and hope as the fortunes of local producers on the domestic market continues to grow from strength to strength,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended the manufacturing sector for showing an admirable capacity to grow as reflected in the manufacturing sector survey and the number of locally produced goods on the shelves.
The President however noted that more still needs to be done to achieve set targets.
He urged Zimbabweans to continue demonstrating preference for locally produced goods.
“I therefore call upon all Zimbabweans to continue utilizing and consuming domestic products and local brands.
“If a local brand is not as good as a foreign brand, use it with the hope that it will improve. In doing so we are creating and preserving jobs, reducing dependency on imports, enhancing competitiveness, saving foreign currency and creating wealth within our nation.” he said.
President Mnangagwa also urged the local industry to keep investing in new technology and to improve product quality.
“As we accelerate the mobilization and industrialisation of the economy, domestic producers are challenged to keep in sync with the times to maintain competitiveness in the cut throat globalized operating environment, hence local manufacturers must improve overall quality of products through greater product research and development, while also investing in new and more efficient technologies,” said the President.
