Companies should invest in consumer engagement: MEC
THE Statutory Instruments Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC) has called on companies to invest in consumer engagement and feedback programmes to ensure the sustainability of legislations implemented by the Government. MEC spokesperson Mr Munyaradzi Hwengwere said there was a general outcry for companies to enhance their engagement with their customers since they are the ones affected by the implementation of Statutory Instruments on imports. Mr Hwengwere said local companies tend to raise their voices high when they want Government’s support but as soon as they get it they go quiet. “We have noted with concern that as soon as protection is granted to local companies, they go mute on whether these policies are working or not and they forget that ultimately it is about the consumer. Zimbabweans need to get feedback as to what effect these SIs have had on companies in terms of employment and production,” said Mr Hwengwere.
Speaking on the outcome of the MEC meeting, Mr Hwengwere revealed that the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries led by chief economist Dephine Mazambani who is also the deputy chair of the MEC, will gather information relating to all SIs in existence in the country to manage imports.
He said people had forgotten that the recent SI64 is not the only SI in existence to manage imports.
“The market appears unaware that SI64 is not the only SI to manage imports. There is a need for Zimbabweans to have a broad understanding of the instruments in existence to support business. A database of the sectors and companies as well as products that are protected in the country will also be developed,” he said.
He said the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe led by Ms Rosemary Siyachitema will also check on the price level to see if prices of goods are being affected by the SIs as there have been allegations that companies are increasing prices after the implementation of SI64.
Mr Hwengwere said all the results will be presented on 16 November. Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha last month announced the MEC members saying the committee had been set up following the decision to remove products from the Open General Import Licence through gazetting of several SIs. SI64 restricted the importation of 42 products into the country.
Mr Michael Nyabadza from Lesaffre Pvt Ltd chairs the MEC and the committee comprised technical experts and officials from various organisations that include the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Buy Zimbabwe, Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, ZimTrade, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Knowledge Transfer Africa, SMEs and representatives of the Industry and Commerce Ministry.