Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani [email protected]
A LOCAL wholesale outlet in Bulawayo has taken it upon itself to promote local brands by allowing manufacturers to exhibit their products on its premises.
Budget Cash and Carry is running promotional events that bring local producers to its facility in Belmont, where they interact with customers and provide information about locally made products.
The initiative aims to reduce imports while promoting the Buy Zimbabwe movement.
In a recent interview, Budget Cash and Carry Managing Director, Mr Raeez Lunat, said the strategy seeks to increase consumer awareness and provide local companies with a platform to showcase their products, thereby reducing the demand for imported goods, which have negatively impacted the local economy.
As part of its local content strategy, Budget Cash and Carry has set up exhibition stands displaying a variety of locally made products from different regions across the country to encourage customers to purchase more Zimbabwean goods.
“We are promoting local products, from sweets to other items, as long as they are produced in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“This will not be a one-off event; it will occur as often as possible with different local companies.”
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the company will hold its monthly brand activation programme for local products, titled ‘Local is Lekker’.
Since the liberalisation of the economy in February 2009, Zimbabwe has been battling a negative trade balance largely driven by imported consumer goods.
In response, the Government has introduced policies to promote local procurement and reduce the country’s import bill.
These initiatives include the Local Content Policy, which aims to boost domestic production with a focus on value addition.
Online Reporter