By shadreck Gurenje
President Mnangagwa has said government under the Second Republic will continue to support the resilience of the people so that they can produce what is needed and compete at both regional and global levels.
Giving his keynote address at the Commissioning of the New National Foods Production Facility in Harare today ,President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said the new plant demonstrates the commitment by National Foods to job creation and skills development which are all vital for inclusive economic growth.
“The new plant demonstrates the commitment by National Foods, to job creation and skills development, which are all vital for inclusive economic growth. At the heart of this project is our ongoing pursuit of food security and improved nutrition.
“ Increased local food production ensures that our communities have reliable access to nutritious food, aligning with our agricultural development goals. It is vital that we grow what we eat and eat what we grow, taking control of our food systems for the well-being of our people.
“It is commendable that as a country, we have realised self-sufficiency in the production of wheat, which is a key raw material in the production of pasta. This notwithstanding, our country currently consumes about 5,000 tons of pasta per month, most of which is imported,”said President Mnangagwa.
The completed facility reflects the visionary leadership and work culture under the Second Republic being spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa which showcases corporate prudence that has seen strategic investment.
President Mnangagwa has also reiterated that the production facility is a beacon of efforts towards economic development and industrialisation.
“This marks a new chapter in the food processing sub sector, driven by innovation, and technology. Well done, congratulations to you all. Makorokoto, Amhlophe. This production facility is a beacon of efforts towards economic development and industrialisation.
“ It embodies our collective ambition of building a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe, sector by sector. As Zimbabweans, we can harness our own resources, to foster the growth of local agro-industries through value addition and the requisite support to our farmers.
“Through this initiative, we are advancing our vision of building a diversified and sustainable economy, where value addition thrives and industries drive economic growth for the benefit of all Zimbabweans,”said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State and Government also commended the Board and shareholders for their confidence in the policies of the Second Republic and the prevailing conducive business environment.
”I commend the Board and shareholders for their confidence in the policies of the Second Republic and the prevailing conducive business environment. “Today’s developments speak to the ever growing need to value-add our plentiful agricultural produce, strengthen our economy and support the livelihoods of our people.
“We are witnessing the commissioning of three major investments: the large-scale breakfast cereals extrusion plant; the biscuit manufacturing line; and the pasta facility,”said President Mnangagwa.
These projects are aligned with the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, National Development Strategy and the broader national Vision 2030.
The modern breakfast cereal plant has targeted capacity of 800 tons per month and is indeed a game-changer with a targeted investment totalling US$7 million.