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Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
MANICALAND – a producer of macadamia nuts, avocado, tea, coffee, and timber – has an estimated export potential of US$337 million and should fully explore opportunities in the SADC region to increase its Gross Domestic Product, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting for local captains of industry in Mutare last week on Friday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Fredrick Shava said studies conducted by the country’s national trade promotion body, ZimTrade, clearly show that opportunities abound in the SADC region for Manicaland and Masvingo products.
He, however said the local industry remains uncompetitive, adding that fully exploring these opportunities will turn Manicaland’s fortunes.
“The study recently conducted by ZimTrade showed that Manicaland’s export potential is estimated at US$337million. This is driven by the export of macadamia nuts, avocados, tea, coffee and timber, among other products.
“For Masvingo, the export potential is estimated around US$385m anchored on the export of sugar and sugar related products, exotic crocodile leather, arts and crafts.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, is currently focusing on economic diplomacy that will result in an increase in trade and market intelligence. So far we have deployed trade promotion officers to Brazil, China, UAE, India and Turkey,” said Minister Shava.
He said ZimTrade is also working on establishing a trade related enquiry handling system for Zimbabwe’s embassies.
“I also encourage business players to take advantage of the various trade protocols that Government has signed, including the recently launched Africa Continental Free Trade Area which offers a market of US$1,35 billion across Africa. We must identify what we can focus on in this trade agreement so that we can benefit as a country,” said Minister Shava.
He added: “Let us also continue taking full advantage of opportunities availed by our membership to other trading agreements under SADC, COMESA, ACP-EU and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in order to boost our trade significantly and sustainably beyond current levels.
“Government is committed to effective and co-ordinated implementation of the afore-mentioned trade related policies and strategies which will ensure sustainable industrial growth, particularly in the manufacturing and services’ sectors, thereby propelling Zimbabwe to its rightful destination of prosperity as an upper middle-income economy by 2030, as set out in the national economic blueprint,” he said.
On the challenges being faced by exporters regarding securing foreign currency to import raw materials and spares, Minister Shava said Government is prioritising the allocation of available funds to the productive sectors through the auction system.
“Exports have continued to sustain the economy of Zimbabwe over the years as they contribute more than 60 percent of the country’s foreign currency earnings.
“Robust export development and promotion strategies are therefore critical to facilitate international competitiveness of the country’s productive sectors, with much focus on value-added exports,” said Minister Shava.
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