He made the remarks at the Annual General Meeting of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries held in the city.
Msipa told captains of industry from various ailing firms like Bata, Zimglass, Sable Chemicals, Steel Makers and ZimAlloys that their resurgence would depend on the next government arresting the importation of cheap commodities.
“The next government should put together a strict policy which ensures that the cost of landing any foreign goods in the country is equal to that of locally manufactured products,” said Msipa. “I am not against China but I am pro-Zimbabwe.”
Msipa, who retired from his governorship post in 2009, is regarded as one of the liberals in the former ruling party. He joined Zanu (PF) when the party struck the Unity Accord with ZAPU in 1987. Previously he was a fervent ZAPU member and an ally of the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
The Look East policy that entails Zimbabwe depending on eastern countries at a time the government of President Mugabe was hit by restrictive trade and travel measures by the European Union and the US, was seen as a measure to bust sanctions.
Official statistics show that local industries are operating at an average 30 percent capacity. Most of the companies, especially in Bulawayo and Gweru, have shut down. High Court Judge Martin Makonese earlier this year implored the government to take action when over 30 firms in Bulawayo halted operations.
Msipa, who once served as State Minister in the Office of President Robert Mugabe during he reign of an exclusive Zanu (PF) government, said he would not rest until the situation was resolved.
“It is sad that four years after dollarization, industry is still operating at 30 percent,” said Msipa. “I want to make this clear to all Zimbabweans. If I die before the prevailing situation has improved, please do not write ‘Rest In Peace’ on my epitaph.”
Post published in: News