Charles Msipa elected CZI president

Published: 10 July 2013

Schweppes MD Charles Msipa was last week elected CZI president for the 2013-14 period taking over from Nestle Zimbabwe CE Kumbirai Katsande.

Before the appointment, Msipa was the first VP of the industrial body.

At a presser to announce the appointment, Msipa said CZI will continue its dialoguing with various stakeholders and partners concerned with the economical well-being of our country.

"The obvious ones that come to mind include all Government economic Ministries, starting with our own parent Ministry of Industry & Commerce; as well as the Ministry of Finance, and that of Economic Planning & Investment Promotion."

At the AGM held last week, the industry body said it is targeting the restoration of product competitiveness in the local and external markets by establishing a loan facility to recapitalise operations.

Concerned with depressed product volumes that have constrained industry's capacity to increase local and global export market share, the meeting resolve that restoration of product competitiveness is important in improving business confidence.

Msipa said the manufacturing sector survey would commence in July. The survey has since departed from the previous ones in that we now go beyond concentrating on capacity utilisation alone; but also look at competitive of business to include such issues as the company's operations and strategies, impact of infrastructure, availability of finance.

"And we now not only target enterprises of CZI members but also no-CZI members."

CZI has also resolved to hold its annual Congress after the national elections – at a date to be announced in due course.

Msipa said business was ready for elections and that the new government which will be elected should create political stability for business planning and also create a consistent clear environment for business and investors. "Any government which will be elected should tackle the scourge of corruption and funding constraints," he added.
- newsday