ZIMTRADE has moved to unlock new export channels into Namibia, with leather and horticulture identified as priority sectors, following high-level talks with Namibia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr David Thomas.
The trade promotion body said it hosted the Namibian diplomat this week to discuss new initiatives aimed at boosting bilateral trade between the two SADC neighbours.
“We were pleased to host the Namibian Ambassador, H.E. David Thomas, to discuss new initiatives aimed at boosting bilateral trade,” said ZimTrade.
ZimTrade acknowledged that current trade volumes between Zimbabwe and Namibia remained low compared to the potential between the two countries.
Zimbabwe’s exports to Namibia were just US$7,66 million in 2018 against Namibia’s US$5,03 billion import bill, representing 0,12 percent to 0,15 percent of Namibia’s total imports.
“While current trade volumes have significant room for growth, ZimTrade is actively unlocking new export opportunities in the Namibian market, specifically targeting leather and horticultural sectors as well as creating avenues that make sure local products can enter this market competitively,” the organisation said.
The focus on leather builds on Zimbabwe’s tanning capacity and raw material base, while horticulture leverages Zimbabwe’s favourable climate and production of high-value crops.
ZimTrade said it is working on measures to ensure local products meet Namibian market requirements on standards, packaging and logistics so they can compete with dominant South African suppliers.
The engagement with Ambassador Thomas follows the 9th Zimbabwe-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), which upgraded bilateral ties to a Bi-National Commission and signed seven trade-related agreements.
Those agreements include streamlined customs processes between ZIMRA and Namibia Customs and access to the newly commissioned Walvis Bay Dry Port, which gives Zimbabwe a direct Atlantic shipping route.
ZimTrade said the diplomatic engagement is part of efforts to turn policy gains into real sales for exporters.
“We are committed to fostering partnerships that translate these opportunities into tangible results for our exporters,” said ZimTrade.
With Namibia’s economy built on mining, tourism, fishing, manufacturing and agriculture and a population projected to reach 2,96 million by 2030, ZimTrade believes that there is scope for Zimbabwe to supply processed leather goods, fresh vegetables, berries, baby vegetables, chillies, and farming inputs.-herald
