EU gives Bulawayo companies exports tips

THE European Union (EU) has called on Bulawayo companies to consider expanding their exports to the West through enhanced value addition and building capacities towards meeting global produce quality and standards.

Bulawayo is gradually reclaiming its status as the country’s manufacturing hub with several industries exhibiting resilience amid improved output and focus on exports.

Speaking during the Diplomats Forum at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, the Head of Cooperation, European Union in Zimbabwe, Mr Franck Porte said Bulawayo can regain its industrial hub status through continued partnerships with the EU.

“There is a need to diversify and move up the value chain to supply manufactured goods. The City of Bulawayo used to be a manufacturing hub, to this day there’s still a significant presence of firms that are engaged in manufacturing. With a little bit of support and quality and standardisation these companies will be able to export again.

“Through an initiative by the EU, called the EU External Investment Plan launched in 2017, many African countries are already witnessing private sector investments because of the nature of this plan,” said Mr Porte.

He said the EU was confident that with collaboration between them and Zimbabweans, industrial growth will be achievable.

“I’m confident that if we put our heads together through dialogue, involving all relevant stakeholders, the policy makers, the private sector in all its diversity small and large, an increase in investments and industrial growth is achievable. Ultimately this will result in socio-economic growth and the improvement of the standard of living of the people of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Porte.

Established Bulawayo industries such as PPC Zimbabwe, United Refineries Limited, Treger Products Group, Arenel Private Limited, Datlabs, Archer Clothing, among others have recently exhibited strong rebound and have been widening domestic and export footprint.-The Chronicle