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Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
Participants to the just-ended Intra Africa Trade Show in Durban, South Africa, have urged governments to put strong measures in place to end the smuggling of inferior quality goods that are threatening the viability of industries on the continent.
The issue of smuggling was a hot topic for debate at the show, with discussants lamenting the influx of inferior quality and cheaper products.
They noted that smuggling in most of the African regions was being spearheaded by foreigners, working in cahoots with some locals. Among the hardest hit sectors was the textile industry which is being adversely affected by smuggled second hand clothing items.
The collective request from various countries was for governments to put in place more stringent controls at the borders, as well as employ high tech monitoring systems.
Participants called for the introduction of stricter penalties against the smugglers.
Zimbabwe Textile Manufacturers Association representative Mr Raymond Huni said: “To promote Africa’s manufacturers, it is vital to stop these smugglers so that there is a fair and level playing field to compete within.
“We need to support local manufacturers as a way to create jobs and reduce the foreign currency outflow. By producing locally, this will assist with increasing import substitution and will in turn reduce the burden on the Reserve Bank’s foreign currency auction.
“We also believe that the Standards Association of Zimbabwe should play a bigger role in working together with bureau Veritas to safeguard against inferior goods being imported into the country.”
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