Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
NATIONAL trade development and promotion body ZimTrade is set to undertake a market scan mission to Vietnam and Thailand later this month, which will also include a learning visit to ThaiFex-Anuga Asia, one of Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitions.
The mission is aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s market intelligence in Southeast Asia while assessing opportunities for future participation in major international trade platforms.
In its latest newsletter, ZimTrade said the exercise will provide a comprehensive analysis of economic conditions, trade trends, consumer behaviour and regulatory frameworks in both countries.
“As part of the mission, ZimTrade will undertake a learning visit to ThaiFex-Anuga Asia, one of the region’s premier food and beverage trade exhibitions happening from 26 to 30 May 2026.
“Thailand is a strategic gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) market and the purpose of this visit is to gain firsthand insights into the exhibition’s structure, standards, and potential benefits for Zimbabwean companies,” said ZimTrade.
The visit is expected to help the organisation assess the relevance of ThaiFex-Anuga Asia as a future platform for promoting Zimbabwean exports, particularly within the agro-processing sector.
Insights gathered during the mission will be shared with local businesses through feedback sessions, detailed reports and capacity-building programmes.
“This approach ensures that a broader spectrum of exporters can benefit from the knowledge gained, while also informing the design of future outward seller missions and exhibition participation.
“Vietnam and Thailand represent rapidly growing economies with increasing demand for high-quality agricultural and processed food products.
“This presents a strategic opportunity for Zimbabwe to diversify export markets and position its products within dynamic Asian value chains,” read part of the newsletter.
ZimTrade said Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and diversified economies, playing a central role in regional trade networks.
As the second-largest economy in mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand has developed strong capabilities across manufacturing, agro-processing, electronics and automotive production.
“The country also serves as a major trade hub within Asean, connecting regional supply chains with global markets. In terms of trade, Thailand is one of the most open economies in Southeast Asia and relies heavily on international trade.”
According to Trade Map data, Thailand recorded a persistent trade deficit between 2021 and 2025, widening sharply in 2022 to US$22,15 billion before stabilising at around US$11–12 billion from 2023 to 2025.
ZimTrade said the figures indicate growing trade volumes alongside increasing reliance on imports.
“For Vietnam, the import profile reflects a rapidly industrialising, export-driven economy, where demand is highest for production inputs rather than finished goods. Looking ahead, Zimbabwean exporters are encouraged to begin preparing for potential participation in future editions of ThaiFex-Anuga Asia and similar international platforms,” added the trade body.
ZimTrade said this preparation includes improving product quality and consistency, investing in packaging that meets international standards, and ensuring compliance with global certification requirements, particularly those applied in Asian markets.
Early preparation, the organisation noted, will position local companies to fully benefit from opportunities identified through the mission and to compete effectively on the global stage.
