By Brenda Nkosi

Blantyre, April 10, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done by local industries and has called upon Malawians to support them.

Mumba was speaking in Blantyre on Thursday when he visited House of Men (HoM) Apparel Industries at Ginnery Corner, a garment industry that sews uniforms and corporate wear.

“I am happy that our own industries are sewing quality things. I am happy because we have seen that they have orders from our own institutions like the Malawi Police. We need to grow our industry,” said Mumba.

The Minister, therefore, encouraged all businesses to register with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) so that they have their grievances addressed.

“As much as we hear their complaints as individuals, businesses have more bargaining power if they do it collectively through MCCCI as they are offered a platform to discuss and raise their issues,” he said.

MCCCI Chief Executive Officer, Daisy Kambalame, encouraged the business community to register with the chamber.

“Most businesses don’t realize the role that the chamber plays in speaking on their behalf. When they come together, we are able to see where solutions to their problems are supposed to come from. This brings in better solutions that serves every business player,” she said.

HoM Managing Director, Brenda Chitanda, lamented lack of trust on goods offered by local industries.

“We have had to struggle to win trust that we can deliver quality clothing because we are a Malawi company. This makes business tough because each time you have to prove yourself that you are capable while those you are competing against don’t have such resistance,” he said.

Currently, HoM has 39 people employed some of whom work night shifts.