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Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
THE national trade promotion organisation, ZimTrade, is engaging(ZCBTA) in a bid to promote trade growth among small traders and create a partnership aimed at increasing mutual benefits for both associations.
ZimTrade said small-scale traders play an important role in the advancement of trade and there is a need to collaborate and explore ways to improve trade.
ZCBTA president Mr Killer Zivhu applauded the initiative which if fully implemented has potential to generate foreign currency.
“For ZimTrade to work with small traders will be a good idea as we all know that cross border traders are providing employment to many people in small shops, flea markets and other market places,” said Mr Zivhu.
“The initiative will also encourage traders to export therefore, I would like to urge ZimTrade to concentrate much on improving exports.”
ZCBTA is a non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of cross-border traders in Zimbabwe. It was formed in 2000 and has over 7 000 members.
He said as cross border traders they want to have their own markets in the region adding that Zimbabwean products have huge demand in the regional countries.
“We want our own markets where we sell local products including our own farm produce. For example, in Malawi, Zimbabwean eggs and sterilised milk are in demand. In South Africa, Zimbabwean products such as Mazoe, cereals are in high demand.”
Many Zimbabweans have taken to importing foodstuffs for retail as a way of making a living.
Their prices are slightly lower than those of retailers, making them a force to reckon with in the scramble for customers. — @SikhulekelaniM1
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