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Business Reporter
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)’s foreign currency auction system has yielded positive results for small firms, with a local start-up saying it is now on an expansion drive on the back of the new impetus from improved access to forex.
The foreign currency auction system has largely been credited with bringing about economic and price stability into the market following previous waves of price distortions due to exchange rate volatility.
Apart from the main auction for large firms, the RBZ created an alternative platform for the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in August with a view to boost their access to foreign currency and thus boost their operations.
A leading player in the motor industry, Benz-Elect, which operates a local dealership and service workshop under licence from Mercedes Benz has reaped immediate benefits from the auction.
The positive impact is in tandem with the Government’s economic thrust, which aims, among other things, to roll out strategies to grow SMEs into large corporates which can have a bigger foothold on the local market.
In an interview, Benz-Elect chief executive officer Dr Victor Sibanda said his company’s operations, most of which are anchored on the importation of service kits, have improved tremendously since the introduction of the auction system.
“For us the small guys it’s not easy to operate and the previous fluctuations in the local currency made things worse for us,” said Dr Sibanda.
“But since the introduction of the auction system, I have to say we are beginning to see some growth in the business.
“This is mainly because access to foreign currency on official platforms has increased and for some of us who rely on importing spare parts and that is a good thing.
“As SMEs we now have a share of the cake, we are there on the table with the big guys.
“All along we have been running two branches that are in Harare and Gweru, but thanks to better access to foreign currency, we are opening another one in Mutare and that just goes to show you how the economy is re-awakening.
“We are getting more individuals and companies coming to Harare and Gweru and I am saying we are now able to service them in their cities without having to come to Harare.”
With Zimbabwe expected to register steady economic growth in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, the logistics sector will be called in to play a critical role as a business enabler.
Online Reporter