Inaugural clothing Indaba begins today

It will run under the theme “Made in Zimbabwe”.
Organisers of the event noted in a statement that “all the main stakeholders have been invited to what has become an invitee only event due to the demand from people to be involved”.
It is believed that the Clothing Indaba will become an annual event with next year’s edition scheduled for Bulawayo in September.
“Industry and Commerce, Minister Professor Welshman Ncube, will officiate at the event that will also be attended by other Ministry of Industry and Commerce officials, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, Zimra, Zimtrade, EU, retailers, designers, technical colleges, bankers, media and the manufacturers themselves.    
“The first day, (today) will be an Indaba, split into four plenary sessions discussing the importance of the clothing industry to the economy, defending the home market, competing in the global market and how to realise the opportunity. The Indaba will close with an ‘Opening Cocktail’,” read part of the statement.
The second day, (tomorrow) will begin with a trade fair, with Zimbabwean clothing manufacturers and other support industries showcasing their products to demonstrate what can be made in this country.
Also, during the trade fair there will be a presentation by a local investment expert.
However, the fair will be followed by a  series of fashion shows and entertainment, all based on clothing made in Zimbabwe, while young designers will be given an opportunity to show their talents, with entrants from NUST, Bulawayo Polytechnic, Speciss College and Chinhoyi University competing in their own fashion show.
It is hoped that the event will help focus attention onto the benefits of supporting the local industry.
One of the major challenges currently affecting the sector is the lack of import compliance on many goods brought into the country.
The correct duties are not being paid to Zimra, who seem to be unable to stem the flow of under-valued                                        and non-compliant goods, along with dumped second-hand goods, that continue to flood the local                         market.
Employment in the clothing industry has declined from a peak of 35 000 employees to a mere 6 500, and most of this decline is attributed to the illegal imports.