Staff Reporter

 President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the local business community to desist from unwarranted price increases.

Speaking yesterday, at Highlands, Harare, while commissioning the state of the art Highland Park Shopping Mall, the President said the unwarranted price increases that have been witnessed from some manufacturers and retailers in the country must stop.

“I wish to urge the business community to remain ethical in their conduct in the wake of emerging global inflationary pressures affecting our economic environment. The unwarranted price increases we have witnessed from some manufacturers and retailers must stop,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President added that the development of shopping malls such as Highland Park provides scope for increased production by the local manufacturing sector. He exhorted the retail sector to strengthen its linkages with the productive sectors of the economy so that they can promote a culture of manufacturing in Zimbabwe in order to ensure that consumers can buy locally produced goods.

President Mnangagwa appealed to manufacturers to produce affordable, high quality standardized goods and improve on packaging to enhance their competitiveness on both local and regional markets.

According to President Mnangagwa, Highlands Park Shopping Mall project will contribute to Harare’s endeavour to attain smart city status.

“This particular project, which is along one of the development corridors designated by the City of Harare, will contribute to the city’s quest to attain smart city status. It is undoubtedly a key initiative by the private sector, which complements Government efforts in increasing our stock of infrastructure as well as uplifting the standard of living for our populace, through increased employment opportunities,” said the President.

The President further said that the Government has plans to develop other magnificent shopping malls in all parts of the country in line with the country’s devolution thrust.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the Highland Park Shopping Mall will be occupied by 23 retail shops comprising South African retail giant, Pick n Pay and many other small and medium enterprises.