adminAddressing leather product manufacturers at an exhibition at the Bulawayo Projects Centre in Thorngrove suburb on Monday, Small to Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said leather goods produced in the country should be of global quality and standard tailored for foreign markets.
“Local leather manufacturers should produce goods which can compete with products from Brazil and Portugal in the global market. Before the end of the year SMEs should come up with clusters which will take samples of products to foreign markets in order to explore new horizons,” she said.
She said the leather manufacturers had exhibited good quality products but there was need for them to attain first grade leather which was in high demand abroad.
“We have noted that there is demand for executive products in foreign countries which range from crocodile to elephant skin products like shoes, belts and handbags.
“Our ministry has already engaged South African traders to come to exhibitions and expos of leather products as a means to promote and widen our market,” she said.
The exhibition was organised by the Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises.
In an interview Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises public relations officer, Mr Crispen Jumira, said the exhibition was for showcasing leather products manufactured in Bulawayo.
“Our committee intends to assist leather products manufacturers through creating a fund which will assist them with working capital to initiate their business plans.
“We have a huge task of mobilising all SMEs, both formal and informal, in order to create business linkages between SMEs and potential local and foreign markets, “said Mr Jumira.
He said all SMEs faced similar problems which included shortage of working places, working capital and lack of skills.
The Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs was formed in 2011, its main objective is to promote growth and development of players in the sector and facilitate financial assistance.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter