‘Pavement economy’ strangles industry

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ZIMBABWE’S manufacturing sector is being crippled by a thriving “pavement economy,” where smugglers flood the market with essential commodities like soap, evading Value Added Tax (VAT) and leaving local producers at a 15 percent disadvantage. Smugglers sell soap on the streets for as little as US$1, while local manufacturers, burdened by VAT, are forced to…