NEW: Local firms urged to focus on quality

Online Reporter

Local manufacturers should focus on producing quality goods if they are going to effectively compete in the African Continental Free Trade Area, Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Sekai Nzenza has said.

She said this at a Buy Zimbabwe event in Harare today.

“Quality should therefore be a hallmark of locally produced goods and services as we move towards Vision 2030,” said Dr Nzenza.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, which came into effect in January, opens up a US$1,2 billion market for local producers.

Business Standards Systems Certification (BSSC) executive director Mr Sebastian Zuze said his organisation is working on a local certification that is internationally recognised.

“What we are coming with as Buy Zimbabwe is a programme that enables companies in Zimbabwe to take the advantage of the opening free African market on certification established on standards and at affordable cost,” said Mr Zuze.