adminThe SMEs sector is employing a sizeable portion of the population as most established companies are operating way below capacity.
Addressing delegates attending a SMEs value chain seminar, chief business development officer Mr Billiat Chaderopa said the policy would also increase employment opportunities in the sector.
“The policy will address and improve market access, providing a conducive environment for SMEs to operate and make profits and assisting them to produce quality products and services.
“The policy also enables the government to assist the SMEs with market information by offering business development training, and consultancy services” he said.
Mr Chaderopa said stakeholders in the sector had crafted the policy framework and not the government alone.
Other parties involved include the SMEs Association of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.
“The SMEs policy is not an instrument that the government has dictated to the small to medium business entities. The SMEs had an active input through various organisations,” he said, adding that the framework would be concluded soon.
SMEs Association of Zimbabwe chairperson Mr Farai Mutambanengwe welcomed the development saying it will make the clustering of SMEs more feasible and bring the desired results as in other countries where it was already in place.
“Cluster development as an approach to industrial development has been successful in countries like China, India, South Korea and Malaysia,” he said.
“We encourage all members to continue working together and to strive to produce quality goods and services that are attractive to the market both local and export”. — New Ziana
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter