To curb rampant corruption and smuggling through Zimbabwe’s borders the government is introducing new import and export licences with special security features.

Mike Bimha, Zimbabwean Industry and Commerce Minister says the local industry was being negatively affected by cheap imports into the country, some of which were being smuggled through the country’s borders.

“There are a number of fake import and export permits in the country, which is affecting our industry.As a consequence, my ministry has given a directive that all import and export licenses have to be renewed so that new ones can be issued that have special security features.”

“We are also working on a number of interventions to protect local industry.”

“We are looking at removing duty on raw materials as well as reviewing tariffs and duties with a view to restricting some imports coming into the country.”

“The reviewing of duties is not a once-off exercise but will continue in consultation with local industry.”

“We meet with industry on a regular basis where we discuss tariffs and we make the policy recommendations based on these meetings.

Zimbabwe’s trade deficit is expected to widen this year with statistics showing that the import bill so far this year is now $8,3 billion against exports of $5 billion while imports for last year were $7,6 billion against exports of $4,43 billion.