Chronicle (Zimbabwe)

‘Zim quality products attract export market ‘

- Senior Business Reporter

THE high-quality products from the country’s diverse exporters are a major driving force behind the sustained penetratio­n rate of local goods and services in foreign markets, ZimTrade has said.

Official records show Zimbabwe’s exports are on a steady increase despite the adverse effects of Covid-19 and the prevailing geo-political complicati­ons, which have frustrated global value chains.

Riding on the Second Republic’s economic diplomacy-anchored re-engagement and engagement agenda, as well as enhanced outward seller missions to create seamless business synergies, Zimbabwean companies are taking advantage of these interventi­ons to expand their market.

In an interview in Bulawayo, ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, said the country’s exports were having a marked presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He, particular­ly, stated that the high-quality of local produce was making it easy for local products to compete in the market, which has grown accustomed to imports coming from across the world.

“The issue that has been consistent from our exporters is that of high quality of products,” said Mr Majuru.

“It’s a good thing to run with in the market to say we are best known for our quality and the return on investment­s is good.

“In Birmingham, United Kingdom we clinched deals to supply arts and craft ware. We secured funding worth US$70 000 for one of our members in Manicaland who is supporting horticultu­ral farmers to export macadamia nuts to the UK.

“In Dubai we managed to get five-year contracts for small-scale farmers to supply fresh produce. At the moment we are pushing essential oils from marula, baobab and moringa oil to access UAE markets.”

Of late, the Government has been on an offensive to promote growth and developmen­t of an export-led economy.

Zimbabwe has a diverse horticultu­ral sub-sector and most of the producers are small-scale farmers. The growing global market for horticultu­re, in the form of fruits, nuts and vegetables, presents opportunit­ies for

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