adminChamber of Commerce business development manager Mr Willard Razawo, who attended the event, believes Zimbabwe has massive potential to push locally produced goods such as beef and cotton into the Indian Ocean country.
“Given our lopsided balance of payments position, we have extensive potential to push some of our products into Mauritius. Mauritius has limited agricultural products given the nature of that country’s geographical location.
“We can actually export beef and cotton to Mauritius. During my stay in that country I heard a lot of inquiries for these products,” he said.
The international fair was organised by Enterprise Mauritius. “The Mauritius Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mr Cader Sayed Hossen who officially opened the trade fair, chal- lenged African countries to do business with Mauritius to enhance development in the region,” said Mr Razawo.
More than 300 buyers from 17 African countries converged in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, for the first ever Mauritius Trade Expo.
Buyers were drawn from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Comoros among other African countries. Zimbabwe was represented by more than 20 companies.
Zimbabwean participant at the exhibition, Mr Wilson Chimwedzi of Chrysolite Belting and Equipment, said the event provided an opportunity for them to secure valuable
business networks.
“MAITEX 2012 was a well-planned initiative that brought buyers and sellers together discussing business in a cordial environment.
“Chrysolite, being one of the privileged few companies to represent Zimbabwe at this event, had the opportunity to meet all the companies and organisations exhibiting their wares.
“We had a hands-on feel of the potential of doing business with Mauritian companies which have several years of manufacturing experience and exposure,” he said.
Mr Razawo said most of the Zimbabwean companies developed synergies with Mauritian firms in the areas of textiles, garments, agro-chemicals, printing/publishing, paper packaging products and electronics
Another Zimbabwean participant, Style Zone managing director Mr Brian Wenyika, however, noted significant bottlenecks in doing business with Mauritius.
“Logistics provide a challenge to doing business with Mauritius and this requires attention. The potential of delays may present heavy costs to the importer.
“The supply time as suggested by most exhibitors of 60 to 90 days could discourage trade, so we strongly suggest a review of this matter,” he said.
Online Reporter