admin
Business Reporter
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries has urged Government to establish a regulatory framework that allows securitisation of minerals, mortgages and other assets to raise long-term finance.
Addressing delegates at a breakfast meeting to present resolutions of the conference held in Bulawayo, CZI president Mr Charles Msipa said much needs to be done towards raising long-term finance for economic development.
“Securitisation is a way of raising long-term finance for Government, industry, housing and the economy. A regulatory framework should be established to allow securitisation of minerals, mortgages and other assets.
“In order to drive productivity and to have a basis for evaluation of competitiveness CZI will push for the establishment of a national productivity institute,” he said.
Mr Msipa said CZI had agreed that the trade imbalance between South Africa and Zimbabwe should be reviewed.
“The review will seek to improve Zimbabwe’s access to South African markets and to stop fraudulent certificates of origin,” he said.
He said Government should consider introducing tariffs and other measures that level the playing field for local producers with specific attention to individual sector needs.
He also said the Government should fund the local industry to increase its capacity utilisation and competitiveness on the international market.
“As CZI we are calling for the strengthening of local procurement campaigns in public and private sectors in order to promote local industries who are competing on an unfair playing field,” he added.
Mr Msipa also said the congress had resolved that Government should identify projects in the power sector including independent power importers and other alternative energy sources.
He added that Zesa should not be the exclusive focus for the provision of national electricity needs.
“There is need to recognise the importance of the revival of the New Zim Steel operations to the metals and steel sectors throughout Zimbabwe.
“The congress also resolved that projects like rail upgrade should be given a priority due to rail’s ability to lower the costs of importation and employment creation,” he said.
He added that porous borders are undermining industrial development and should be addressed immediately through the adoption of modern control techniques and technologies.
Online Reporter