Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
WORLD-renowned shoe manufacturer, Bata Global, has committed to becoming more competitive in footwear production, improving product quality, and creating more jobs in Zimbabwe as it seeks to consolidate its footprint in the country and beyond.
Speaking after meeting President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday, the firm’s chief executive officer, Mr Panagiotis Mytaros, said he cherished the meeting he held with the President, describing it as fruitful.
Bata Global has several decades of experience in footwear and leather manufacturing and has a footprint in many countries, including Zimbabwe.
“It is my first time in Zimbabwe, so it was an honour to have time with the President. So I wanted to thank him for all the things we do here, the support we get. We feel at home. After several years in Zimbabwe, it means a lot to us,” said Mr Mytaros.
He said their discussions centred on business opportunities in Zimbabwe.
“We also discussed opportunities in Zimbabwe, not only for Zimbabwe but for manufacturing and exporting outside. Bata is very unique; that is what we try to stress in Zimbabwe.
“Eighty five percent of shoes you find in stores are made in Zimbabwe, with raw materials and manufacturing done in Zimbabwe. We appreciate the stability in Zimbabwe, and we look forward to more opportunities,” said Mr Mytaros.
He said the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has made the business environment conducive.
“We see Zimbabwe in a very positive spirit.
We appreciate the stability that His Excellency, the President and his Government gave us, and we look forward to working even closer and to give better shoes to the people and also to the institutions,” said Mr Mytaros.
He said their preoccupation was to continue improving their products in Zimbabwe.
“For me, the most important thing is that we make our shoes better. The people want better shoes, the people want more stylish shoes. So the first thing is to establish in Zimbabwe competencies to make better, quality shoes and remain competitive,” said Mr Mytaros.
“Shoemaking is a craft, so you need to learn it; we need to have the right people, and ultimately to bring more employment”.
Shoe manufacturing has been a source of employment for many Zimbabweans and contributed significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
The firm is a global footwear manufacturer and retailer headquartered in Switzerland and operates across more than 70 countries.
Its local operations are headquartered in Gweru, Midlands Province, where it has a major manufacturing plant producing footwear like rugged Safari boots and collaborates with trade agencies like ZimTrade to expand regional and global leather exports.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications), Mr George Charamba and other senior Government officials.
