MONA-LISA DUBE
Zimbabwe’s agro businesses will benefit from the deepening relationship with Rwanda as the east African country has vast markets for the country’s agricultural produce.
Rwanda Private Sector Federation chairperson Robert Bafakulera told Business Times: “I believe there are a lot of advantages that will come with trading with Zimbabwe, especially in agriculture. We can learn from Zimbabweans as they have more experience in this area such as maize growing.”
He added: “We are importing a lot of seed at the moment but we definitely need a local solution and this is where Zimbabwe comes in.”
Surveys conducted by the country’s trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, show that there is currently insignificant trade between Kigali and Harare with the upcoming Rwanda-Zimbabwe Trade Investment Conference scheduled for Kigali next month designed to enhance the relationship.
One of the sticking points that the conference seeks to address is the issue to do with logistics in transporting products between the two countries while maintaining competitive prices.
ZimTrade client advisor Tataenda Machirori told the Business Times that the latest survey revealed that there is need for Zimbabwe to find ways to ensure that the landed cost of goods remains competitive.
“So you find that it’s easier for some of their surrounding countries within their regions to be able to trade in Rwanda. So there is a need for Zimbabwe to establish a cost efficient route to get our products there while maintaining competitive prices, Machirori said.
Registration for the conference is ongoing with Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, being the travel partner.
RwandAir Zimbabwe Country manager, Wilson Karemera said the airline is excited to be part of this historic event.
“RwandAir will play a vital role in facilitating the movement of people to attend this ground-breaking trade and investment conference. And going forward the airline will be the link between businesses both in Zimbabwe and Rwanda,” Karemera said.
“It only takes two hours between Kigali and Harare. With the direct flights between the two countries it means the movement of people and goods will be easy. This will enhance business activities in line with the thrust of our respective governments.”
There are different packages that have been put in place for attendees from a five-star package which includes return ticket to Kigali, registration and conference participation, five-star hotel accommodation, city tour among other perks going for US$1950. The basic package that has only registration and participation is going for US$300. More information on the conference can be found on www.ungano.net
