Zim exports to EU up

percent between 2010 and 2011. Imports from the 27-member bloc totalled US$232 million, reflecting a trade balance of US$276 million in favour of Zimbabwe. Trade figures have doubled since 2009.
“This shows a recovery trend initiated in 2010 and the normalisation of the trading relations after the hyperinflation period,” said Mr Dell’Ariccia.
“We are confident that trade relations will continue to grow and support the Zimbabwean industry directly and a more predictable business environment.”
The EU is the country’s second largest trading partner after South Africa. Zimbabwe’s exports to the EU include minerals and agricultural commodities. 
Mr Dell’Ariccia said the coming into force of the interim EU-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement will have positive implications for the business climate in Zimbabwe. It will also provide a wide range of opportunities for exports and access to new markets in the EU and within the ESA region.
The EU envoy said the EU bloc was working on the formulation of a start-up programme for Trade and Private Sector Development, which will have, as its main expected results, improved business environment, increase public-private sector dialogue, support to the diversification of exports and added value exports, especially from the small to medium enterprises.
The programme will involve the setting up of an EU-Zimbabwe trade information centre to facilitate SME access to market information (including EU tools such as the Market Access Database and the Export Help Desk), and upgrading of ZimTrade’s Trade database.
It would also involve upgrading of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe’s laboratories (equipment and software) and of its staff’s skills (training).