adminProsper Ndlovu in Gaborone, Botswana
ZIMBABWEAN companies are attracting huge attention at the Botswana Global Expo, which kicked off here yesterday, with about 30 local businesses participating.
The country is one of the top exhibitors in terms of the size of its pavilion and the number of companies represented who are exhibiting various goods and services.
Trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, has facilitated participation of Zimbabwean companies, including small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and women-led producers who are eager to lure the export market and contribute more to growing the economy.
Drawn from different sectors of the economy, local company stands were a hive of activity yesterday as buyers and potential clients or partners sought to know more about the country’s products.
Corousel, a Bulawayo-based manufacturing division of Edgars Stores Limited, Tanganda Tea Company, Goodhope Leather Products, House of Moringa, Teecherz Home and Office and Codchem (Pvt) Limited, are among the company stands that pulled lots of client attention.
During engagements clients sought clarity about the range of products that Zimbabwe has on offer, costs of exporting and ease of movement at the borders.
Others expressed interest in establishing potential synergies with Zimbabwean businesses and pledged to do more follow-ups with interest in harnessing regional value chains development in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Although Botswana and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial bilateral trade relations, ZimTrade has said there is a need and more scope to scale up the volumes.
Other participating companies are: Moreda Leather Products, Rukanda Pride, Total Farm Solutions, Thandi’s Village, Muruwe Private Limited, OrganiComplex, Bolton Compliance Consultancy Group, National Foods, Pelmet Trading, Surface Wilmar and Almin Industries.
There is also a group of SMEs drawn from the country’s rural industries through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development.
Representing ZimTrade chief executive officer, Mr Allan Majuru, during an afternoon business session on trade opportunities between Zimbabwe and Botswana, client advisor, Mr Kupakwashe Midzi, said there were vast investment and trade opportunities to be explored by businesses from both countries.
Online Reporter