adminLovemore Kadzura : Rusape Correspondent
MINISTER of Finance and Economic Development, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, has urged small to medium enterprises to up their game and manufacture high quality goods that satisfy market demands and also meet export standards.
He further added that Government has many programmes and instruments that give allowances to small manufacturing entities to grow big and prosper, while at the same time filling the void left by big companies that are closing operations.
Cde Chinamasa who is also the Member of National Assembly for Makoni Central, said this when he was addressing members of Rusape Carpenters’ Association while touring the proposed new site for carpenters which is under construction in Rusape last week.
Cde Chinamasa also promised to assist in the construction of ablution facilities, connection of water and electricity at the site that will house 80 entrepreneurs.
“Government values the contribution that is made by small to medium businesses in various sectors of the economy which is very critical. We urge you to manufacture high quality goods that can compete with products from other established businesses. You should also aim to export your products.
“You are now businesspersons who have the capacity to employ others, thereby reducing the percentage of unemployment. Utilise Statutory Instrument 64 that bans the importation of some products that are manufactured locally and grow your businesses. Right now there are cash shortages, but that must not affect your businesses. You can embrace the use of plastic money.
“Every carpenter here must have a Point of Sale machine here so that your customers can swipe here. Your organisation seems to be organised and makes it easier for me to assist you so that you move to this site as soon as possible. I will assist with the construction of ablution facilities, connection of water and electricity.
“I will also facilitate that you get training in basic business management so that you manage your enterprises efficiently and profitably,” said Cde Chinamasa.
Chairman of Rusape Carpenters’ Association, Mr Assan Matola, hailed the intervention of Cde Chinamasa, saying it will go a long in alleviating some of the challenges they were facing as tenants.
He further added that they would strive to produce quality products in numbers.
“We are very happy with the intervention of our MP, Cde Chinamasa. Ablution facilities, water and electricity are critical catalyst in business and we hail him for providing that.
“It was no longer viable for us to continue operating at the old site due to high rentals charged by the owners of the premises,” said Mr Matola.
Online Reporter