Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
INDUSTRY and Commerce Deputy Minister, Raj Modi, has appealed for increased stakeholder support towards facilitating the growth of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs have become a critical pillar of the economy and continue to employ more people while producing and promoting economic growth and exports.
They, however, lack financing, have limited access to lucrative markets and inadequate working space.
Deputy Minister Modi, who is a successful Bulawayo businessman said SMEs possess a huge potential to transform the economy but need more support.
He was speaking during a tour of exhibition stands at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Without support from local buyers, he said SMEs will not be able to grow and they will not be able to increase their capacity to supply export markets.
He commended the type of products being produced by the small players in the manufacturing sector and noted, especially the quality and packaging, which meets international standards.
“I am here to inquire, I want to know their prices and product range so that we can support them. I am testing what they have and there is so much effort that they put into producing these products,” said.
“I am very proud that we are doing this in Zimbabwe. Most of these ciders and 100 percent juices come from South Africa.
“I was just telling them to visit my shop and then I see how I can help them. I am very happy seeing our people doing something that can bring in foreign currency and create more employment for our people.”
Deputy Minister Modi also had the opportunity to sample products from Lupane Veggie Guys who produce spices and juices from baobab and umnyi fruits. He also visited honey producers where he expressed interest in supporting them.
ZimTrade this year brought in seven SMEs from around the country to exhibit under its banner and this is going to give limelight to small businesses and be able to access local and export markets.
The Government expects SMEs to play a pivotal role in transforming the economy towards an upper middle-income status by 2030.
This entails scaling up support for the sector by providing finance and working space to enable the sector to increase the production of quality goods and assist the sector to secure markets.
SMEs have become a big economic force in the country and across the globe but most of them are still struggling to secure lucrative markets.
A honey producer from Mutare, Mr Moses Chimedza, who managed to interact with the Deputy Minister said: “We are happy to interact with the Deputy Minister and we have been given a chance to share what we have, of which, he has shown an interest in our products.
“I am so happy to say he has given us contacts for his buyer, we will have a meeting with him and if all goes well we will be supplying them and that will be our first in Bulawayo”.
Mr Chimedza said having officials who are willing to meet and interact with business people is commendable as it also allows them to express their concerns and raise challenges they face in doing business directly to the officials, which also promotes quick response.
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