Blitz on counterfeits, smuggled goods underway

Remember Deketeke-Herald Correspondent

A blitz against smuggled and counterfeit goods is in progress to shield customers from potential violations, and ensure Zimbabwe seamlessly joins the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu said yesterday.

Speaking at the commemorations of the World Standards Day held in Harare, which ran under the theme, “Shared vision for a better world”, the Minister said: “We want to make sure that as the Government we protect consumers from any potential source of violations that might take place.

“So, we have declared war on counterfeit products and we have been capacitating our institutions. You might have also seen the recent capacitation of trade measures,” said Minister Ndlovu.

The theme underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in developing and implementing standards that drive progress and improve quality towards an upper middle-class economy by 2030.

“Standards are the backbone of our industry, ensuring that we meet the highest levels of quality, safety and efficiency, especially now as we create a single and unified market under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

“As we strive for a better Zimbabwe, a better Africa and a better world, we recognise the critical role standards play in achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.”

By adhering to international standards, Minister Ndlovu said Government could build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable industrial sector that drove economic growth and improved the quality of life for all citizens.

“Looking ahead, our focus will be on strengthening our national quality infrastructure, through prioritising the implementation of compulsory standards as contained in the country’s national quality policy,” he said.

“This will go a long way in curbing the influx of counterfeit and substandard products on the market.”

International Organisation for Standardisation Secretary General Mr Sergio Mujica said the establishment of standards was important for a country’s progress and advancement.

“I am pleased and honoured to celebrate World Standards Day here in Zimbabwe. We believe that standards can be a significant contribution to economic and social development, as well as the protection of the planet and the protection of people,” he said.