Government should come up with measures to promote the consumption of local products in order to support the country's industries.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce vice president for Mashonaland region Mr Davison Norupiri told New Ziana that Government should protect locally produced goods that are currently facing competition from cheap imports.

"What I am saying is we are our own enemy, finished products from all over the world are coming into the country duty-free.

"Government should find some mechanism to protect local products which can not compete with cheap imports," he said. Mr Norupiri said products such as fabrics, tinned beans, snacks which the local industry and small to medium enterprises can produce should be protected from unfair competition.

"It is through initiatives such as Buy Zimbabwe that should get enough support as they seek to promote prioritisation of locally produced goods, he said. Mr Norupiri said Government as the major consumer of goods and services should lead by example to procure locally.

The procurement systems should prioritise local products which will be exemplary to the whole country, he said.

Buy Zimbabwe campaign general manager Mr Munyaradzi

Hwengwere said by importing goods and services the country was also exporting labour.

"Imagine as a country with an unemployment rate of over 80 percent, how many jobs are we creating outside the country?

Buy Zimbabwe is a local campaign launched late last year with the aim to boost job creation by encouraging citizens to purchase products and goods with the Buy Zimbabwe insignia.

The campaign is an initiative meant to celebrate local brands such as Mazoe, Buttercup and Capri among others that are produced in Zimbabwe which meet standards as determined by recognised certification boards such as the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.

New Ziana