Expert agency assists Zim SMEs to grow exports

Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
PUM Netherlands, a volunteer expert member agency specialising in capacitating small to medium enterprises (SMEs) globally, has pledged to assist local entrepreneurs in enhancing production standards and exporting.

The organisation has been working closely with ZimTrade, the country’s trade development and promotion agency, in rolling out capacity building programmes aimed at positioning Zimbabwean SMEs for increased export earnings.

Speaking at a ZimTrade event in Bulawayo last Thursday, PUM country coordinator, Mr Carel van Oosterzee, said small businesses hold huge potential in terms of realising higher export earnings but need to be adequately capacitated.

“As PUM we have a pool of over 1 700 experts, which we offer to the SMEs to capacitate them on human resource training and how to improve quality. We also provide market connections to the PUM participants,” said Mr Oosterzee.

He said in Zimbabwe, PUM was interested in capacitating the horticulture sector, renewable energy and food security sectors with a focus on the whole value chain    aspects.

“If we help someone in flower production, we help on the technical side, on how to  handle flowers and also help the producers to get contact with the customers  because here in Zimbabwe no one buys flowers but the export market is the best,” said Mr Oosterzee.

“We help businesses, which have existed for at least two years in the industry and also we look at issues that include number of employees the business has.”

ZimTrade client advisor Mr Tawanda Chiware said PUM has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Zimbabwean industries and international industries.

“PUM equips SMEs in developing countries so that they produce good quality products that can compete in the international market to promote exports,” he said.

“PUM trains SMEs and gives them information on how to do their business. They also give SMEs technical expertise on what is exactly required in terms of resources needed to improve quality.”

Millenium Footwear director, Mr Stuart Simali, who is one of the beneficiaries of the PUM initiative, said during Covid-19 businesses had to adopt and utilise some of the tips learnt from PUM.

Millenium Footwear is now taking part in key export markets in the region and also exhibited at the just-ended Intra-Africa Trade Fare held in Durban, South Africa. — @SikhulekelaniM1