Bata reopens Bank Street branch

Commerce, Professor Welshman Ncube, at a ceremony also attended by the Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, Minister Tapiwa Mashakada, as well as business executives from within the Bata group. Professor Ncube said domestic and foreign investment was needed if Zimbabwe was to achieve its growth and development goals and for the country to go forward.
“We in Government have tried to create a stable economic environment and bring about political stability, which are essential for business growth. I have been to the Bata manufacturing plant in Gweru and am aware of the challenges faced by the company, and what needs to be done to overcome them,” he said.
The minister said legislation was being considered to ensure that only legally imported shoes would be available for sale in Zimbabwe, and he pointed out examples of how some shoes were being sold locally at prices lower than the duty that should have been paid on them.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Bata’s group managing director for emerging markets and western regions, Fernando Garcia, said Bata Zimbabwe was seeking growth of sales operations, as well as continued offers of a good selection of quality shoes at affordable prices to all the people of Zimbabwe.
The Bank Street branch has a staff of 27, who form part of the more than 1 500 people employed by the company across the country.