Ncube rallies Zim exporters to shake status quo

FINANCE and Economic Development minister Mthuli Ncube (pictured) has urged exporters to look beyond the horizon in their quest for lucrative deals in foreign trade.

e treasury boss said each one of Zimbabwe’s provinces was endowed with unique resources with capacity to produce cutting edge products that can tip the scales in Harare’s favour on the international markets.

Addressing the 2022 ZimTrade Exporters’ Conference in Harare on ursday, Ncube reminded participants that forex spinning exports would always be the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s recovery efforts.

“Exports are the key driver of economic development and a major contributor to the attainment of our Vision 2030,” the minister said, referring to a government blueprint that projects huge economic transformation by 2030.

“e role played by exporters in this endeavour cannot be over-emphasised as they toil to bring in the much needed foreign currency, create jobs and set the pace for technological advancements,” the minister said.

Ncube said Zimbabwe was on course to achieve its export targets despite Covid -19 induced setbacks. “In 2021 exports grew by 37,3% to US$6 billion, from US$4,39 billion in 2020, surpassing the 10% annual growth target,” Ncube said.

“e manufacturing sector realised a 5,5% increase in exports to US$404 million in 2021. Within the same period, overall capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector rose to 56, 25%, while capacity utilisation for largescale manufacturing sector firms increased to 62,7%; the highest level recorded since 2012,” he added. ZimTrade chief executive officer, Allan Majuru said the agency was deepening efforts to create equal market access for all businesses on the international markets.