Story by Mercy Bofu
THE Second Edition of the Masvingo Business Expo ended on a high note amid calls by government for linkages5 between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large scale industries as a means to support emerging companies.
The two day expo ended this Friday with participants saying they had an opportunity to market their products, identify investment opportunities and form partnerships as a means to expand their businesses.
“All i can say is that the expo was an eye opener for us as SMEs because we had an opportunity to market our products, we met potential clients and we are looking forward to improved business from now onwards,” said a participant.
“We are happy that we met various stakeholders involved in the agriculture value chain and discussions here, we realised the importance of value adding are products as we are into paprika farming again we met important stakeholders such as ZIMTRADE because we are looking forward to export our products,” said another.
SMEs were also challenged to produce quality products competitive enough for international markets.
“Government is supporting us as SMEs through availing financial support and creating a conducive environment for our businesses to thrive, we as SMEs have to come up with products that conform to expected standards that we penetrate bigger markets and realise big returns,” said Mr Venancio Kurauone, chairperson of the Masvingo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises.
Government encouraged local companies to create linkages and consider value adding resources that benefit the province.
“Our ministry is prioritising decentralisation of industrialisation initiatives and we are encouraging linkages between MSMEs and Large 5scale industries such as Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, Delta Beverages, Bikita Minerals and Simbi (Pvt) Ltd among others here in Masvingo to support emerging companies,” noted Director, Industry Department in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr Dayford Nhema.
The expo which was running under the theme, “Investment Hub towards Vision 2030” saw a number of companies that exhibited being recognized for their resilience in pursuing growth.
