Zim lifts import duty on goods
2008-05-13 20:38
Special Report
A new commission meant to reform Zimbabwe’s repressive media laws has begun its work, three months after its members were appointed, the body says.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he doesn't expect the US sanctions on his country to be lifted soon.
Harare - The Zimbabwean government has lifted import duty on basic commodities in a bid to ease chronic shortages as cash-strapped local producers battle to meet demand, the information minister announced Tuesday.
"As a stop-gap measure... the government has therefore suspended duty on basic commodities for a period of 90 days with effect from yesterday (Monday)," minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu told journalists.
"This is by no means a substitution of locally-produced goods. This is a temporary measure.
"Our people have been surviving by importing some basic goods to augment local production which has been hampered by sanctions on our country which lead to shortages of foreign currency."
The list of goods exempted from duty include rice, margarine, cooking oil, flour, soap, salt and toothpaste and only goods imported for household consumption qualify for the waiver.
He said the government would continue allocating foreign currency to help local manufacturers buy goods from abroad to increase production.
Zimbabwe is in the throes of an economic crisis characterised by runaway inflation, soaring poverty levels, an unemployment rate hovering at around 80% and chronic shortages of fuel and basic goods like cornmeal.
- AFP
- AFP