ZimTrade targets African markets
FOREIGN trade promotion agency, ZimTrade, says it is deepening efforts to improve the visibility of Zimbabwean products on regional markets.
In a statement yesterday, ZimTrade said it was organising more activities to create stronger linkages between Zimbabwean exporters and Africa markets. As part of the ZimTrade annual exporters conference slated for next week, a buyers’ seminar has been organised where buyers from Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana and Botswana will be in the country to interface with local exporters. The conference will bring together government, local exporters, industry players and other stakeholders.
ZimTrade chairperson Clara Mlambo said the agency was strategically targeting African markets.
“Zimbabwe is strategically located at the heart of southern Africa, and this offers us many advantages, especially on logistics where our products can land in neighbouring countries at a competitive price,” Mlambo said.
“However, unlocking these opportunities needs us to strengthen relations between Zimbabwean companies and buyers in these markets.
“The target is to ensure that Zimbabwean companies are well connected across the continent, and are able to strike deals, meet orders, and deliver goods with easy,” she said, urging local companies to take advantage of the scheduled meeting to identify potential business partners which will drive their exports into the region.
“Considering the amount of work and financial commitment that is required to identify potential partners in export markets, local private sector must take full advantage of the inward buyer mission to connect with reliable buyers and distributors that will be in the country next week,” said Mlambo.
Inward buyer missions are export promotion activities designed to boost the confidence of the international business community in the local industry. Invited buyers from targeted markets will engage in business-to-business meetings with local companies to discuss such issues as order quantities, prices, and other specific requirements. During the missions, the buyers will also visit local industries to appreciate the local productive capacity and processes. Mlambo urged Zimbabwean businesses to leverage on multi-lateral and bilateral trade agreements.-newsday
