The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has urged the government to enforce measures to curb the smuggling of goods into the country as the practice is undermining industrial growth.
In a statement, CZR also pleaded with the government to revisit the ban of second-hand vehicles older than 10 years, a move they say has caused a steep increase in vehicles’ prices. It said:
The country’s porous borders continue to undermine industry growth, as well as tariff protection efforts. Of particular concern is the Beitbridge Border Post.
We highly recommend that Government urgently establish a joint working committee incorporating various stakeholders including government, security forces, retail sector, manufacturers, civil society, transporters association, and others, to investigate smuggling at the ports of entry and illegal crossing points and then take concrete corrective measures to redress the anomaly.
CRZ said rather than banning vehicles based on the date of manufacture, authorities could consider roadworthiness. CZR said:
The ban on motor vehicle imports more than 10 years from the date of manufacture is a decision that should be revisited as it has only succeeded in raising the cost of motor vehicles in an economy already grappling with weak demand.