adminDirector of Enterprise Development in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr Stanislaus Mangoma said the cotton industry was a significant source of income and employment that was vital for economic growth.
“Government has identified clothing and textile as one of the priority areas for focus of attention in the current Industrial Development Policy to be released soon,” he said.
“Cotton and its by products, already form a significant source of income and employment for the economy and the value addition of these products is vital to the growth of Zimbabwe as a whole.”
Mr Mangoma was speaking at stakeholders meeting for Southern African Regional Cotton, Textile and Apparel.
At least 25 percent of the country’s rural population derives its livelihoods from cotton farming.
Mr Mangoma said there was need to modernise machinery in the sector in order to produce quality textiles.
“Most companies in the textile industry have since closed down because they have failed to procure new machinery that is required to produce competitive products,” he said.
The Industrial Development Policy is expected to come up with ways that could be used to boost capacity utilisation of local companies.
Speaking at the same occasion, Comesa regional agro-foods co-ordinator Ms Angela Mulenga said the cotton industry is one of the most important sectors in the world that have potential for boosting food security and job creation.
“The clothing value chain is one of the longest value chains in the world with great potential for food security, job creation and building base for industrial development,” she said.
Ms Mulenga also said Comesa had identified cotton as one of the six priority sectors for developing regional industries.
“Comesa has identified cotton to clothing value chain as one of the six priority sectors for development to contribute to industrial development,” she said.
She encouraged Sadc countries to prioritise cotton production in their industrial policies to ensure economic growth. – New Ziana.
Bongani Ndlovu