Business Reporter
Zimbabwean companies will seek export orders, distribution agreements and strategic partnerships at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next week, with value-added products at the forefront of their pitch to Chinese and global buyers.
More than a dozen firms will exhibit under a unified pavilion coordinated by ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s trade development and promotion body, and aim to expand the country’s exports to China beyond traditional commodities, carving out opportunities in horticulture, processed foods, leather products and other manufactured goods.
Zimbabwe’s participation in the CIIE aligns with President Mnangagwa’s commitment to expanding the country’s international trade network across the globe.
“Our primary objective is to expand Zimbabwe’s exports to China, particularly value-added products, while strengthening commercial relations between the two countries,” said ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru, speaking on the objectives of participating by local firms. “We want to diversify our export basket beyond traditional commodities.”
China’s expanded zero-tariff market access, which took effect on 1 May, has opened fresh opportunities for qualifying Zimbabwean products, and the companies intend to showcase goods with potential under the new dispensation — including food and horticulture, oils, leather and crafts.
The firms expect to secure export orders and strategic partnerships with Chinese importers, retailers and investors, while introducing more Zimbabwean products into Chinese supply chains and identifying investment opportunities in value addition, processing and export logistics.
“At the end, we want to convert Zimbabwe’s strong diplomatic relations with China into tangible commercial gains that support industrialisation, export diversification and sustainable economic growth,” Mr Majuru said.
The companies are also pursuing business linkage development, hoping to identify agents, partners and distributors not only among Chinese buyers but also among exhibitors from other countries.
The push comes amid booming bilateral trade. According to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, China Customs data shows trade between the two countries surged to US$5.01 billion in the first three quarters of 2026, a 51.6 per cent year-on-year increase.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports to China reached US$860 million, up 9.3 percent, while Zimbabwean blueberries entered the Chinese market for the first time in July — a milestone the embassy described as “exciting”.
“China supports Zimbabwe in fully leveraging the zero-tariff policy to expand its exports,” the embassy said. “Deepened economic and trade cooperation continues to deliver shared prosperity for both nations.”
The CIIE, scheduled for 5–10 November 2026, is expected to attract more than 4,100 overseas companies from 162 countries, regions and international organisations across an exhibition area exceeding 440,000 square metres. Zimbabwe’s pavilion will cover 132 square metres, with individual cubicles for each company within a shared, coordinated national stand.
The expo, an annual national-level event focused exclusively on imports, is regarded by Beijing as a key instrument for signalling its openness to global trade. The 2026 edition is expected to feature a record number of global, Asian and China debuts.
For smaller companies and those from developing nations in particular, the expo is seen as a critical entry point for finding Chinese partners, signing deals and testing market demand.
