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Elton Manguwo
AS the country’s search for markets intensifies, the national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, has facilitated the participation of more than 25 local Zimbabwean businesses at the Zambia Agricultural Commercial Show (ZACS).
The businesses’ participation at the event that will run from July 31 to August 5, 2024 will impact positively on the region’s agriculture sectors.
In a statement, ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru said the show provided a platform for information exchange, showcasing farming and industrial technologies and conducting business meetings with potential buyers from the region and beyond.
The Zimbabwean companies partaking in the fair will include both large enterprises and small-to-medium enterprises (SME) that are deemed export-ready.
“These companies will be representing a diverse range of sectors, including the manufacturing and supply of agricultural inputs and implements,” said Mr Majuru.
The participating companies, both large enterprises and SMEs, will likely showcase their latest products, technologies and solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
“This will provide an opportunity for Zimbabwean, other regional farmers and agribusinesses to explore new input tools and technologies that can enhance their agricultural operations,” said Mr Majuru.
ZACS is a comprehensive multi-sectoral trade fair that enables businesses to showcase their offerings, explore market opportunities and engage in valuable commercial and knowledge-sharing activities within the Zambian and regional context.
“ZimTrade has consistently been attending the trade fair annually and Zimbabwean products have continuously been praised by regional consumers and buyers,” said Mr Majuru.
Local companies have managed to establish fruitful distribution partnerships while others have succeeded in opening establishments within Zambia creating sustainable trade between the two countries.
“The Zimbabwean companies will be able to effectively engage with Zambian farmers, agribusinesses and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, fostering mutually beneficial commercial relationships and contributing to the overall development of the regional agriculture sector,” said Mr Majuru.
Zimbabwe has the added advantage of proximity to the Zambian market that makes it easy for businesses to increase trade.
“Through continued engagement, familiarity with the high quality of Zimbabwean products has grown among Zambian buyers and consumers. This presents a valuable opportunity for local companies to not only introduce new products but also expand exports of existing products,” said Mr Majuru.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are both members of established regional trade agreements, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
“These agreements facilitate trade between member states by promoting the free movement of goods and services, with the ultimate goal of eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers,” said Mr Majuru.
Online Reporter