ZIMTRADE is expected this week to release results of the local export manufacturing capacity survey conducted last year with the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) as worries mount over the government’s failure to instil confidence in the comatose economy.
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The export manufacturing survey results, according to ZimTrade, would help industry chart the way forward on strengthening the country’s export capacity.
“ZimTrade will be releasing results of the local export manufacturing capacity survey conducted in collaboration with CZI in 2013 (October-December),” the organisation said in a statement.
“The survey has therefore provided an up to date information resource that will serve as a vital input towards enhancing the interface between the government and the private sector during the mapping of sector-specific pro-export strategies,” it said, adding that the baseline survey was meant to establish the local manufacturing export capacity to enhance industry policy initiatives.
ZimTrade last year partnered with CZI to commission an export manufacturing capacity survey as the local manufacturing sector becomes increasingly uncompetitive due to underfunding and antiquated equipment.
The survey was conducted at a time when capacity utilisation for the manufacturing sector last year had declined to 39% from 44% in 2012.
The survey was expected to investigate the challenges faced by the export sector which are rendering the industry uncompetitive as well as recommend appropriate policies and incentives necessary for global competitiveness.
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The study was also expected to establish the quality and competitiveness of various manufactured goods, including production capacity, products for export, packaging and pricing, among other issues.
The country continues to be a net importer of goods as local industry continues to struggle to meet local demand largely due to depressed capacity utilisation.
Erratic power supplies, lack of working capital and antiquated machinery have largely contributed to depressed capacity utilisation.
