Influx Of Substandard Goods Likely To Increase This Festive Season As The Economic Meltdown Bites - Report

Substandard goods imports are likely to increase this festive season as people opt for cheaper goods because of the economic meltdown ravaging the country, Sunday news reports. This was revealed by Confederation of Retailers Zimbabwe’s president Denford Mutashu who expressed the body’s worry over how these informal businesses are affecting formal business’s profitability while risking buyers’ healthy at the same time.

We are expecting an influx of imported products that will find their way into the country through various ways. Some of which are “no name” products as well as fake products that are fuelling the rise of tuck shops throughout the country.

The danger is that the formal market will not recover in terms of market share and our efforts towards industrialisation will be delayed. The country has become a safe haven for fake imported goods without any jurisdiction as to the source and safety of those products.

Mr Mutashu urged the government to reign in on these sub-standard imports and support the productive sector especially basic commodities, manufacturers. Industry and Commerce minister at the same time lamented the country’s porous borders which cited as the reason why the substandard goods were making their way into the country.

More: Sunday News