Shortages of basic goods finally moves Zimbabwe to allow imports
Zimbabwe has relaxed regulations barring the importation of basic commodities, to avert a shortage of goods ahead of the festive season.Statutory Instrument 64 was put in place by the government to prevent items such as groceries‚ building materials and furniture from entering the country‚ in an attempt to stimulate domestic production.But by June‚ the government had climbed down‚ after "trade partners" such as the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) raised concerns. Now‚ anyone with foreign currency can approach the government for an import permit.Industry and commerce minister Mike Bimha told journalists that anyone with "free funds" could import as much as they wanted."Be they individuals or companies‚ they should come forward to obtain the necessary permits and licences to bring products into the market‚" he said.However‚ the decision came a bit late‚ because retailers have been accessing South African products such as milk‚ cooking oil‚ cereal‚ detergents‚ bi...
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