The Zambia Association of Manufacturers says the closure of the Soybean crush and vegetable oil refinery by Cargill in Lusaka shows that the manufacturing sector is operating under strain.
Cargill on Wednesday announced it will cease all operations at its soybean crush and vegetable oil refinery in Lusaka effective end of October 2018.
ZAM Chief Executive Officer Chipego Zulu has told Money FM News that the reasons cited by the oil refinery company is the illegal imports of oils on the market saying this issues poses danger to the growth of the sector.
Ms Zulu says this is the reason why the association came up with an Anti-Illicit Trade Committee aimed at addressing illicit economy.
“We need concerted efforts in curbing illicit trade in the country. We also need to curb illegal imports as this affects operations of the manufacturing companies,” she said.
Ms Zulu fears that if illegal imports and illicit trade issues are not addressed, more manufacturing companies may close down as this affects operations of the manufacturing companies.