‘Marketers key to economic revival’
ZIMBABWE’s re-industrialisation should be buttressed by robust marketing of new products on the global market so as to increase foreign currency earnings and achieve the vision of a upper middle income by 2030, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi, has said.
Speaking at the 10th annual Marketers Convention organised by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) in Victoria Falls, Deputy Minister Modi said marketers play a crucial role in the productive sector and revival of the country’s economy.
“Zimbabwe will not prosper if innovation is not part of business operations. The mantra by his Excellency the President that ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ cannot be realised if businesses are not thriving and consolidating operations,” he said.
“Marketers are key drivers in the implementation of our industrialisation programme through promotion of domestic products in the local, regional and global market. Our products are known to consumers through marketers, through responsible advertising.”
The conference, which ended on Friday, was held under the theme: “Innovate, Thrive, Consolidate”, which Deputy Minister Modi said was in line with the country’s vision.
“By being innovative we are talking about coming up with new products as well as systems that can assist companies to be more efficient in their production,” he said.
Deputy Minister Modi said Government will soon launch the National Industrial Development Policy (2018-2022) framework, which would buttress Vision 2030.
He said this vision was anchored on a deliberate decision taken by Government to open the country for business. Modi challenged MAZ to partner Government and support growth programmes.
Speaking at the same occasion, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president, Mr Sifelane Jabangwe, said marketers have a responsibility to lead the economic direction.
He challenged marketers to be actively involved in the economy and participate in national projects.
“It’s the marketer who charts the direction for companies and it’s also up to you marketers to make Zimbabwe’s vision to be a middle income economy by 2030 possible.
“Marketers will create our new future with regards to exports as they will tell us which products to focus on and which markets to sell to,” he said.
Participants were concerned about the future of the profession saying some companies were no longer recognising the field, which is overshadowed by advertising.
They emphasised on the need for crafting of strategies to remain relevant when the economy hits a downturn and for a mindset change within organisations to include marketers in key decision making. — @ncubeleon