adminThe congress, to be held under the theme “Imperatives for reversing de-industrialisation”, will take place from July 31 to August 2. In a statement, CZI president Mr Kumbirai Katsande said the congress would deliberate on how to restore the manufacturing sector in view of the sector’s survey carried out by CZI in November last year which showed that capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector plunged from 57,2 percent in 2011 to 44,2 percent last year.
The worst performing leather and allied products sub-sector was operating at 27,5 percent. On the high side was the battery sub-sector operating at 76,5 percent.
“Much has been said about the state of industry in Bulawayo.
“However, this is not only confined to Bulawayo, it is pervasive throughout the country.
“Name any city or town and you will find companies either completely closing down or some are severely downsizing,” he said.
He added that many were struggling to remain open and operating while those that were striving were few and far between.
“CZI will bring together local industrialists and top business practitioners to put their heads together and deliberate on the challenges we face,” he said.
Industry and Commerce Minister Professor Welshman Ncube is expected to officially open the congress while the secretary-general of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr Sindiso Ngwenya, will deliver the keynote address.
“He will bring wide and informed experience on how business is operating in the 19 economies that make up Comesa” said Mr Katsande.
He said the congress would look at various issues such that include enhancing competitiveness in the global markets and issues of investment promotion.
“The question is: Being mainly an agro-based economy, how do we gear our agriculture in a way that promotes and enhances value chains between agriculture and manufacturing?” he said.
Online Reporter