Story by Peter Chivhima
ZIMBABWE and Russia are working on modalities of promoting domestic and international trade through the standardisation of goods and services.
Statistics show that Zimbabwe’s imports from Russia increased to US$25 million between January and September last year from US$20,4 million during the same period in 2022.
It was, however, that although the trade is increasing the level of standardisation, conformity assessment remains low.
As part of efforts to solve the challenges, Russia’s Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) in Harare this Wednesday.
“Let me hasten to say this MoU we are signing today covers but is not limited to harmonising standards, building capacity and exchange of technical expertise. We are, therefore, committed to continuous collaboration, open communication and shared knowledge. Our organisations have always been committed to promoting a culture of quality and standardisation that supports the growth of both domestic and international trade.
“Our partnership is a continuation of this commitment. Standardisation plays a pivotal role in streamlining trade processes and ensuring the safety, quality and reliability of products being traded between our two countries through the establishment of a framework of mutual recognition we aim to eliminate unnecessary technical barriers to trade,” said SAZ Acting Director General, Mr Cosmus Mukoyi.
Russia’s Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology chief executive officer, Mr Shalaev Anton highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
“We have noticed that there is a gap in terms of standardisation facilitating trade between our two nations. At the moment Zimbabwe is mainly exporting tobacco, tea, citrus and other products to Russia, while Zimbabwe imports Wheat from Russia so we need to standardise goods and services.”
Zimbabwe and Russia enjoy strong bilateral relations with the two countries already cooperating in various sectors including mining, education, and agriculture.
