Chronicle Editor
Charity Chikara, Sunday News Reporter
THE Ministry of Industry and Commerce has reiterated the importance of interactions between the private and public sector as the country seeks to achieve a private sector led economy.
This came out during a value chains review workshop that was held at a local hotel in Bulawayo organised by the Ministry last Wednesday which was meant to evaluate the implementation of the value chains prioritised in the National Development Strategy One (NDS1). The workshop was also aimed at informing stakeholders on the activities, progress and challenges among value chains so that they gain further insight on important aspects on national economic development. Value chain players were urged to draw inspiration from the resilience and dedication shown by the now exemplary East Asian manufacturing sector.
This was revealed by the director in the Ministry, Mr Denford Nhema speaking on behalf of the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Mavis Sibanda during the value chains review workshop. He added that the industry should be seen participating significantly in the regional value chains such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
“In the first quarter of the year we met to discuss our value chains and today, we are gathered again to take stock of how our value chains have fared since the launch of the NDS1 in 2021. Today we are reviewing the following value chains, leather value chain, cotton value chain, pharmaceuticals value chain, soya value chain and metal foundries.
“The manufacturing sector is projected to grow by 3.7 percent next year, on the back of the value addition and beneficiation activities in the industrial, mining, and agricultural sectors. I call upon all our stakeholders to draw inspiration from the East Asian manufacturing sectors that rose from challenging circumstances and low productivity, to become the industrial shining stars that they are today,” he said.
He also said it is very important that the industry players leverage on the opportunities brought by these developments and that government is prioritising investments in value addition and production of sophisticated manufactured products. He expressed gratitude and celebrated the progressive achievements that different players have attained in the difficult and dynamic circumstances faced.
“From the onset, we knew that transformation was not to be an overnight journey as we build from a background of serious economic challenges. I recognize and would like to appreciate the efforts that you, our captains of industry and all stakeholders make to take our economy forward. Thank you for the resilience shown. Government is determined to continue developing pro industry policies that speak to our value chains strategy and harmonised to the regional integration”, he said. Ernie
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter