admin win-win strategies that could see business relations between the two normalising despite the continued existence of illegal American sanctions on Zimbabwe. Among those at the forefront of such efforts is Amerizim, a trade facilitation vehicle based in the United States. Herald Business caught up with Amerizim chairman, Mr Stewart Roderick, to learn more on their endeavours.
Q: What is Amerizim?
A: Amerizim is an international organisation of business and professional persons dedicated to the encouragement, facilitation and expansion of business, trade, tourism and investment opportunities between Zimbabwe and the United States, and to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation between the two countries.
The last 10 years have seen tough times in Zimbabwe and we realise that it is now time for Zimbabwe to regain its status as one of the leading economies in Africa. We are here to facilitate trade, tourism, and investment opportunities for Zimbabwean businesses looking to stake a claim in the global economy.
Q: Where is Amerizim located?
A: Amerizim maintains a representative office in the United States and in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Q: What does Amerizim offer to Zimbabwean businesses?
A: Amerizim offers Zimbabwean businesses access to American markets and American business access to the Zimbabwean markets, with the aim of promoting trans-Atlantic trade for businesses on both countries. Oftentimes, Zimbabwean companies trying to procure goods or connect with American companies have fallen prey to conmen who claim to be representing American businesses.
Amerizim is a safe and reliable platform for Zimbabwean companies to use when they need to connect with companies and businesses in North America. Amerizim assists Zimbabwean businesses to contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment internationally, and promoting and supporting productive foreign investment into Zimbabwe.
We deliver services that assist Zimbabwean businesses initiate, sustain and grow trade and outward investment; promotes Zimbabwe as an inward investment destination, supports the inflow of productive foreign direct investment; undertakes initiatives designed to improve community awareness of, and commitment to, international trade and investment; and provides advice to its trade and investment development activities
Q: How will Zimbabwean businesses benefit from Amerizim membership?
A: Zimbabwean companies will have access to our vast network of American businesses and potential investors.
Amerizim’s extensive business network includes various Fortune 500 companies and we also provide Zimbabwean businesses access to Zimbabwean professionals living abroad.
In addition membership provides exclusive access to advertising slots on Amerizim’s website. Members will also receive invitations to various trade shows and seminars to promote their products and brand.
That is not all. Membership means access to our weekly business newsletter.
The newsletter offers incisive coverage of business, investment outlook, labour and other current affairs, written by professional business journalists. As the newsletter is targeted at a niche audience, there is very little wastage when placing advertising aimed at our professional audience.
Q: How is Amerizim different from other trade organisations?
A: Amerizim is very different because it is run by vastly experienced business professionals who have exposure and expertise in both the Zimbabwean and American markets. Amerizim focuses on the needs of our members and find ways to provide programmes, services and benefits that are cost-effective, beneficial and convenient.
We deliver programmes, services and products that will be evaluated by our members and customers as state- of-the-art and of the highest quality out there.
Amerizim honours its commitments and adheres to the highest ethical standards and objectives. We will approach change and challenges in the market place as an opportunity to encourage an environment for innovation and to foster creativity.
Q: Why the name Amerizim?
A: The name Amerizim encompasses what this is all about. A meeting point for American businesses looking to engage Zimbabwean businesses and Zimbabwean businesses looking for American investors and business partners. We are here to facilitate the expansion of business and trade between Zimbabwe and other Sadc countries and North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico).
Amerizim provides a great platform for Zimbabwean businesses to network and advertise to North American businesses and the Zimbabwean professionals living abroad.
Q: How can an interested businesses sign up for membership?
A: To become members, businesses can visit our website www.amerizim.com and click on the membership tab.
You can download our brochure from our website and fill out the attached form and mail it to your nearest Amerizim office. Once we receive your application and membership fee, we will email your login information. It is as simple as that.
Online Reporter