admin
SUGAR manufacturer Tongaat Hullett has commended the government efforts to protect the country’s sugar industry. Earlier this year the government announced the removal of sugar from the Open General Import Licence List as well as added requirements for importing the product. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon at the company’s analysts briefing, Tongaat Hullett managing director Sydney Mtsambiwa said the current surroundings have been made conducive for the product in the country.
“I think the environment is very positive, we are certainly delighted by the removal of sugar from the General Import Licence List now that anyone who wants to import sugar has to have an import licence, over and above that they have to pay 10 percent tax plus $100 per tonne,” he said.
He added that as it stands Tongaat Hulett is in a position to meet Zimbabwe’s demand for sugar as well as export the product to surrounding markets.
“We supply the domestic market with 100 percent of its requirement and over and above that we export any surpluses that we might produce,” he said.
He added that the operations within the company have been running smoothly.
“Everything is going according to plan. This move clearly articulates the protection of the industry to make sure that the farmers stay on the land and do what they are supposed to do,” he said.
According to Mtsambiwa, advancements that have been made in the farming sector have ensured a substantially better production season for the company.
“Because of the very positive water irrigation system it means all the land is going to be put to even better use this time around,” he said.
Tongaat Hulett’s units in Zimbabwe have embarked on ambitious private farmer cane-growing schemes expected to boost output.
The company remains with a positive production outlook due to the good rains received during the 2013/2014 farming season.
The company as well still aims to reach its goal of installed production capacity by 2018. – BH24
Online Reporter