16 Zim firms exhibit at Maputo trade fair

Sixteen Zimbabwean businesses are exhibiting at the largest exhibition in Mozambique, which opens today in Maputo.

The Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM), which is running from August 26 to 1 September 1 offers a unique opportunity for Zimbabwean companies to connect with leading buyers in Mozambique, creating a platform that is expected to enhance bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries.

Participating companies are drawn from sectors such as processed foods, building and construction, fast-moving consumer goods, processed foods, clothing and textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Other sectors represented are clothing and textiles, engineering, packaging, furniture, and agriculture inputs and implements.

The second-time appearance of Zimbabwe at the fair, facilitated by national trade development and promotion agency – ZimTrade – is in line with the economic diplomacy agenda being fronted by President Mnangagwa to unlock business opportunities from the country’s stellar foreign relations.

ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru said the participation of Zimbabwean firms at FACIM is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between local producers and buyers in regional markets.

“President Mnangagwa has made a clarion call that we need to prioritise the strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties with Mozambique, and we recognise the country as a vital regional partner.

“The participation of local exporters at FACIM is in line with this economic diplomacy agenda, and the trade fair is anticipated to open new avenues for Zimbabwean companies, enabling them to establish long-term partnerships with Mozambican buyers and other international participants,” Mr Majuru said.

Mr Majuru also said the FACIM trade fair provides an invaluable opportunity for local companies to harness the positive international relations that Zimbabwe has cultivated through the engagement and re-engagement efforts of the Second Republic.

Under President Mnangagwa’s administration, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in mending and strengthening its diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, including Mozambique.

This re-engagement strategy has been the focus of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy, aimed at reintegrating the country into the global economy and fostering mutually beneficial relationships with key trade partners.

“The participation of Zimbabwean firms at FACIM is a direct result of ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Government to position Zimbabwe at the centre of regional and global supply chains.

“As the companies are showcasing their products on regional platforms, they are promoting Zimbabwe’s export potential and reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional integration and cooperation.

“This aligns with the broader Government’s objectives, which are prioritising diplomacy as a means of achieving sustainable economic growth and development,” said Mr Majuru.

The participation of Zimbabwean companies at FACIM builds on the momentum generated by the recent Tete Outward Seller Mission, organized by ZimTrade.

During this mission, Mozambican buyers expressed a growing preference for Zimbabwean products, which has been reflected in the significant increase in trade between the two countries.

Statistics show that there has been a noticeable shift in Mozambican buyer preferences towards Zimbabwean products.

According to figures from Zimstat, Zimbabwe’s exports to Mozambique doubled in 2023, growing from around US$190,4 million in 2022 to US$397,7 million.

Mr Majuru said the participation of Zimbabwean companies at FACIM is positioned to capitalise on this upward trajectory of exports, introducing a diversified range of products to the Mozambican market.

“With the positive feedback from the Tete Outward Seller Mission and the doubling of our exports to Mozambique, Zimbabwean companies are well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum.

“FACIM provides the perfect opportunity to introduce a diversified range of products, catering to the evolving needs of the Mozambican market,” he said.

To maximise the opportunity for participating companies, ZimTrade has arranged business-to-business engagements between participating companies and key buyers from leading distributors and retailers in Mozambique.

These engagements will be held on the sidelines of the trade fair, ensuring that participants can establish valuable connections and explore potential partnerships.-heral