adminZIMBABWE will hold a regional import and export conference that is likely to set the tone for improved trade in agricultural produce through policy formulation and strategic interventions that will enhance intra-regional trade among Eastern and Southern African countries.
The event which will be held in July in Harare will attract regional participants from Eastern and Southern African countries with a vested interest in the importation and exportation of agricultural products.
Regional manager for Regional Agency for Agricultural Promotion and Advocacy Mr Retlaw Matorwa said the event was part of regional efforts to evaluate and assess the achievements made towards promoting intra-regional trade of agricultural products.
ReAAPAD is one of the organisations involved in preparation of the conference.
“There is a need to harness opinions and expertise from the region with regards to enhancement of intra-regional trade through interrogating various regional trade instruments, facilities and polices in place, while at the same time addressing the key challenges facing agricultural trade in the region. We will look at what policy measures and strategic interventions to put in place with the ultimate objective of coming up with a sound and improved regional trade policy,” said Mr Matorwa.
He added that an exhibition showcasing various key players in the import and export value chain including private and public sector in East and Southern Africa would be co-ordinated simultaneously with the conference.
About 150 regional exhibitors including local players will have an opportunity to exhibit their products and services.
Mr Matorwa said the exhibition was going to provide a platform for players to exchange information and interact with other strategic partners especially those who were into producing, importing and exporting agricultural products regionally.
“This is an exhibition with a difference, as we are bringing in players with a regional focus while at the same time creating opportunities for strategic business synergies with local industry so that there is deeper understanding and appreciation of issues to do with regional trade. We also anticipate a collective approach to trade within Eastern and Southern African countries,” he added.
The Regional Agency for Agricultural Promotion and Advocacy was established last year, as part of regional efforts to support the work of regional economic communities (REC’s) such as East African Community (EAC), Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) through provision, publicising, sensitising and creating awareness in various commendable intra-regional trade facilities available in the region.
Bongani Ndlovu