Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwean companies participating at the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show generated a strong pipeline of potential deals, as interest in the national pavilion increased compared with previous editions of the exhibition.
The 26 companies exhibiting under the Zimbabwe pavilion met distributors, retailers, institutional buyers and other potential partners during the six-day show, with discussions covering supply contracts, distribution arrangements, market representation and long-term partnerships.
National trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, said exhibitors recorded higher visitor traffic and more focused commercial engagements than in previous years.
Many potential buyers approached companies with specific questions about pricing, volumes, product availability, delivery capacity and distribution rights.
The increase in both the number and quality of engagements points to growing awareness of and demand for Zimbabwean products and services in the Zambian market.
ZimTrade communications manager, Danai Majaha, said Zimbabwe’s participation had achieved its broader objective of increasing the visibility of local companies and their products in Zambia.
“The level of interest recorded this year was higher than what we have seen during previous editions of the show.
“We had more visitors coming to the pavilion, but more importantly, the discussions were commercially focused.
“Buyers were asking about quantities, prices, distribution arrangements and the possibility of establishing long-term supply relationships,” he said.
Mr Majaha said the growth in commercial engagements demonstrated that Zimbabwean products were gaining recognition in the market.
“This increasing interest shows that Zimbabwean products and services are becoming more visible and are being considered by more buyers in Zambia.
“Our companies were able to meet decision-makers with clear business interests and the next step is to turn those discussions into orders and sustainable partnerships,” he said.
Mr Majaha noted that visits to the pavilion by leading Zambian industry players, Government representatives and public institutions also demonstrated commitment at both Government and private-sector level to increase bilateral trade.
“The visits by key industry players and Government representatives were significant because they showed that there is commitment to strengthening trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“They also gave participating companies access to institutions and businesses that can support their entry and expansion in the Zambian market,” he said.
