The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has implored the government to protect local industry from cheap imports which are flooding the local market and choking the manufacturing sector.
The cheap imports are said to be negatively affecting most sectors of the economy that include packaging, clothing and manufacturing, among others.
The captains of industry made the call during the ZNCC Matabeleland Chapter’s annual pre-budget consultation workshop held in Bulawayo on Thursday.
In an interview with State media on the sidelines of the workshop, ZNCC Matabeleland Chapter chairman, Mackenzie Dongo said there was a need to make sure that duty is levied on all imported products. Said Dongo:
We need to protect our local industries since we are coming from the COVID-19 pandemic effects and we are rebuilding our economy.
We need to make sure that all imports are taxed because these products are flooding the local market, hence affecting industries that are producing some of these products locally.
Dongo added that the government must impose punitive measures to reduce cheap imports flooding the market and making locally-manufactured goods uncompetitive.
ZNCC Matabeleland Chapter vice president Louis Herbst said for the 2023 National Budget, Treasury should put aside funds to support the revival of industries in Bulawayo.
Tax consultant, Peter Mgodi said certain taxes were unfair adding: “It then seems like that taxation is biased towards maximising revenue rather than being fair.”
More: The Sunday News