Online Reporter
Senior Business Writer
Strengthening customs regulations, policy frameworks, law enforcement and addressing the proliferation of counterfeit products will take center stage at an upcoming National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) indaba in Harare on Wednesday.
Bringing together government ministers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, the event will revolve around the theme: “Combating Counterfeit Products in Zimbabwe and Fostering Economic Growth.”
This forum follows the government’s intensified countrywide crackdown on counterfeit and smuggled goods, resulting in the seizure of over US$2.4 million worth of illegal imports and substandard products.
As part of this initiative, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) on Monday closed Unity Village Flea Market in Bulawayo, a significant trading hub known for selling various goods.
This bustling market, located in the city center, features numerous traders offering clothing, footwear, cell phones, accessories, and kitchenware, among other items.
According to the draft programme, Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu is set to deliver the keynote address.
Several Government ministers expected to participate, include Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, and Minister Douglas Mombeshora, Health and Child Care.Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe
The business sector will also be well-represented, with key industry leaders expected to attend, including Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) President, Mr Mucha Mkanganwe ,Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers President, Mr. Denford Mutashu, Delta Corporation CEO, Mr. Matlhogonolo Valela, new OK Zimbabwe CEO, Mr Willard Zireva and Small Enterprises Association of Zimbabwe CEO, Mr Farai Mutambanengwe.
The NECF indaba provides an opportunity for stakeholders to address the serious threats posed by counterfeit products to economic growth, consumer safety, and fair trade.
The event is anticipated to yield policy recommendations, enforcement strategies, and enhanced partnerships among government, the private sector, and civil society in combating counterfeits.
