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NewsDay

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ZimTrade, CZI in partnership

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CZI has partnered with ZimTrade to commission an export manufacturing capacity survey as the local manufacturing sector becomes increasingly uncompetitive.

THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has partnered with ZimTrade to commission an export manufacturing capacity survey as the local manufacturing sector becomes increasingly uncompetitive due to underfunding and antiquated equipment.

GAMMA MUDARIKIRI

In a joint statement yesterday, the two business lobby organisations said they would be conducting a survey on the state and capacity of the Zimbabwean export manufacturing sector, with results of the study expected to be released next month.

The survey comes at a time when capacity utilisation for the manufacturing sector this year declined to 39% from 44% last year.

“ZimTrade, in collaboration with CZI, will be conducting a survey on the state and capacity of the Zimbabwe manufacturing sector,” reads part of the statement.

“To this end, trade development experts have been commissioned to engage current and potential manufacturing exporters.”

The survey is expected to investigate the challenges faced by the export sector which are rendering the industry uncompetitive as well as recommend appropriate policies and incentives necessary for global competitiveness.

The study is also expected to establish the quality and competitiveness of various manufactured goods, including production capacity, products for export, packaging and pricing, among other things.

ZimTrade and CZI said the objective of the survey was also to provide authentic and up-to-date data and information necessary for the implementation of sector-specific pro-export strategies as well advocating for effective policy and regulatory interventions for the growth of value-added exports.

The country continues to be a net importer of goods as local industry continues to struggle to meet local demand largely due to depressed capacity utilisation.

Erratic power supplies, lack of working capital and antiquated machinery have largely contributed to depressed capacity utilisation.