Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
Zimbabwe’s export growth agenda is on track as local companies are targeting increased sales in the neighbouring Zambian market.
Over 27 local firms are taking part at the ongoing 96th edition of the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka.
With the neighbouring economy ranked among Zimbabwe’s top 10 export destinations, local firms exhibiting at the show are focusing on broadening markets.
To the exhibitors, the platform also creates an opportunity to further broaden exports beyond the SADC region.
“This presents an opportunity to foster and increase the market share and we are optimistic that being available here further enhances the market share and consolidates our position in the region,” said Pump and Steel Supplies commercial manager, Mr Tatenda Marufu
BazTech Incorporated’s managing director, Dr Caroline Chirima said, “The opportunities are here and it is just an issue of focusing towards maximising returns from the Zambian market which is one of the key top ten destinations for Zimbabwean exports.”
The managing director of Goodhope Leather Products Mr Eliot Matsika said, “Going forward, more companies should come and take part here, given the magnitude of the exhibits that we have found.”
“This is the opportunity that we have to assess and identify the opportunity that can scale up business and maximise productivity for the benefit of our country especially the issue of maximising returns on foreign currency earnings,” said the founder of Manetain Organics, Ms Lienne Shonhiwa.
The exhibitions are being held when treasury figures show that Zimbabwe recorded a 3,4 percent growth in exports during the first six months of this year to US$3,4 billion from US$3,3 billion during the same period last year driven by minerals, agro-processed goods, horticulture and tobacco among other commodities.
