Call to increase exports

Molline Gagare Business Reporter
BUSINESSES have been urged to produce high quality products with a focus on increasing exports as a means of turning around the economy.Welcoming delegates during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) business conference in Bulawayo yesterday, ZITF Company board chairman, Bekithemba Nkomo, said value added products were a catalyst towards improved trade earnings.

“It’s important to drive growth by exporting more finished products instead of raw materials. Companies should create value chains that will lead to the exportation of finished products that meet global standards,” he said.

Nkomo said developing a vibrant economy required vigorous efforts that would entirely transform the manner of doing businesses.

“Moreover, the growth of exports plays a major part in the growth process by stimulating demand and encouraging savings and capital accumulation, and, because exports increase the supply potential of the economy by raising the capacity to import,”                                        he said.

Nkomo said that participating in trade, especially export production and promotion, exposes a country to the latest and most advanced production and marketing techniques.

“I’m very glad that we’re represented by various stakeholders that include the tourism industry, education, information communication technology, infrastructure development and many others.

“This combination of different business sectors brings about dynamic innovation and technological diffusion into the economy,” said Nkomo.

He added that all participants at this year’s conference should participate extensively to achieve economic growth and help in the implementation of ZimAsset, a government economic blue-print spanning 2013 to 2018.

“We acknowledge all efforts from all participants. We want to call on other corporates from Zimbabwe and abroad to add to the growth of the ZITF. By so doing, this will accelerate the implementation of Zim-Asset as this is an opportunity to source new markets, link local players with international clients as well as promote Zimbabwe as a tourism destination,” Nkomo said.