Zim eyes China, Zambia export markets

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU

ZIMBABWE’S trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, is eyeing export opportunities in horticulture and mining in China and Zambia and is now waiting for proper documentation to tap into the markets.

The move is expected to improve trade opportunities and earn foreign currency for the country. It also comes after ZimTrade toured both countries in the past
two weeks to explore new export opportunities and strengthen existing
markets.

ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru told Business Times on the sidelines of Zambia Market Survey Dissemination that the country should enhance production efficiencies to improve export competitiveness.

“A fortnight ago we were in China exploring new export opportunities. In China we are mainly concentrating on citrus, fresh produce and fish. There is high demand of the products as we have already established buyers but for us to go there we need to follow export protocols,” Majuru said.

He said Zimbabwean and Chinese authorities are discussing to finalise
issues and expect to start exporting by year end.

ZimTrade believes that food is very sensitive as it needs all rules and regulations to be followed before exportation.

“If all goes well we will be exporting fish, fresh produce and citrus by year end. What’s left is for the Chinese government and our government to agree on the ground rules. Submissions are being finalised from both parties,” he said.

“Fish exporters began in the second quarter of the year but the demand is just too much. Lake Harvest on its own can’t satisfy such big markets like China.”

Majuru said Zimbabwean exporters were in Zambia last week to explore
export opportunities in mining and horticulture.

“It’s amazing that the distance between Harare and Lusaka is just under 500km but
their import bill to Zimbabwe is only less than 2 percent which is a worrisome thing. South Africa  which passes through Zimbabwe, contributes over 22percent of  Zambia’s import bill,” Majuru said.

“We should grow our contributions to Zambia to above 10 percent in the next two years as there are various opportunities in Fast Moving Consumer Goods and mining. Many mining companies like Mopani and First Quantum Minerals are expanding their operations hence they need protective clothing and other machinery that we are manufacturing
here.”

It is believed that there are a lot of local vendors that are selling Crystal sweets, Mazoe Orange Crush, Lyons products and buttercup margarine among other products hence retailers can construct warehouses in Zambia to supply local products.

 

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