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THE ZimTrade Annual Export Week has started on a higher note with regional and international buyers engaging local companies ahead of the Buyers Seminar set for Bulawayo tomorrow.
The engagements are part of efforts by the national trade development and promotion agency to create strong linkages between Zimbabwean exporters and leading buyers across the world.
Zimbabwe is on an aggressive drive to grow its export earnings as it transforms the economy towards an upper middle-income status by 2030.
Riding on the conducive ease of doing business climate ushered in by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, local businesses have ramped up production and are embracing innovation and technology to enhance quality standards and achieve global competitiveness.
The international buyers, who are already conducting company visits to appreciate the local manufacturing sector, are drawn from United Kingdom, Zambia, Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia.
Already, the buyers have embarked on sector-specific engagements, including factory visits and business-to-business meetings with potential suppliers from different industries.
The business engagements are expected to generate tangible outcomes such as new business partnerships, export contracts and deeper collaborations across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, leather, construction and engineering and services.
ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, said the pre-event interactions are crucial in driving the country’s export targets, particularly on diversifying export markets and products.
“These engagements are not just about short-term gains, they are part of a larger strategy to build long-term trade relationships that will strengthen our export base,” he noted.
“As we connect international buyers with local producers, we are positioning Zimbabwean companies to access a wider range of markets.
“This aligns with the Government’s target of diversifying both export destinations and the products that we offer to the global market.”
Mr Majuru also stressed the importance of the engagements in expanding Zimbabwe’s product range to match international demand trends.
“Our focus is on increasing the volume of exports and ensuring that the products we export are in line with global market requirements,” he said.
“These linkages allow for buyers to give us valuable feedback on what their markets require, which will help local companies improve their product offerings and competitiveness.”
The ZimTrade Export Week runs under the theme: “Qala, Tanga, Start”, and is a key platform to discuss solutions that will drive Zimbabwe’s export growth, including trade policy, export facilitation and capacity building for exporters.
The conference is expected to be officially opened by President Mnangagwa on Thursday.
ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion organisation, is a unique joint venture partnership between the private sector and the Government formed in September 1991.
Working closely with private sector partners, industry experts and development co-operation partners, ZimTrade provides a comprehensive suite of value-added services and assists Zimbabwean exporters, including first-time exporters and potential exporters, to develop, promote and facilitate export of their goods and services.
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