malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
NEDBANK ZIMBABWE has partnered Zimpapers and the Horticultural Development Council to host the inaugural Trade Finance: Horticulture Conference scheduled for Mutare on July 10 and 11.
In a statement, the bank said: “The conference seeks to bring together industry experts, financiers and horticulture professionals to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in trade finance and horticulture, and to explore innovative solutions for sustainable growth.
“The Nedbank Zimbabwe team is geared up to share insights on the role of financial institutions in financing horticulture trade; sustainable financing for horticulture projects; sustainable financing options available for farmers and the entire value chain; and trade finance facilities available from Nedbank.”
The bank possesses expertise in financing Zimbabwe’s imports and exports, as well as working capital requirements for productive sectors.
The Government has unveiled the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which seeks to facilitate the horticulture sub-sector’s contribution towards food security, import substitution, exports, employment creation and household incomes.
Horticulture is a key sub-sector with potential for year-round production countrywide. The Government is targeting to grow it into a US$1 billion industry by 2030, from US$120 million.
The conference will be attended by key stakeholders, including Government officials; horticulture industry professionals; ZimTrade and Agricultural Marketing Authority officials; as well as academics and researchers specialising in trade finance and horticulture.
Bongani Ndlovu