Saturday, August 04, 2007

(HERALD) ZimTrade eyes Zambian market

ZimTrade eyes Zambian market
By Perry Kaande

ZIMTRADE plans to set up a mega retail shop in Zambia that will market Zimbabwean products, as the trade promotion body intensifies its efforts to increase exports into the region. ZimTrade chief executive Mr Herbert Chakanyuka said this move was in line with the National Export Strategy and should be in place by early 2008.

"To increase exports into Zambia and in line with the National Export Strategy, ZimTrade will be carrying out a feasibility study of setting up a retail mega shop to market and sell Zimbabwean products by early 2008," he said.

Mr Chakanyuka noted that Zambia was one of the key markets for Zimbabwean products, hence the need to consolidate Zimbabwe’s position in the market.

He also highlighted that by virtue of being Comesa members both countries stood a chance to gain favourable trade concessions from such a move.

"Zambia and Zimbabwe are Comesa members giving Zimbabwean exporters a competitive advantage over non-Comesa member states, because products which qualify to meet certificate of origin criteria, will enter the market duty free," he added.

Most of the products that found their way into the Zambian market were value added products.

A delegation led by ZimTrade is currently in Zambia with a contingent of Zimbabwean companies taking part in the Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka.

Twelve companies, among them PG Industries, printing concern Kalamazoo and electronic component manufacturer Mukonotronics are participating in the showcase which runs from August 2-6.

Apart from facilitating and sponsoring companies in export initiatives, ZimTrade is involved in various activities and services in strategic areas. These include market and product research, trade fairs and exhibitions, assistance in trade policy formulation and developing sustainable international trade.

ZimTrade was also at the head of a recent excursion by Zimbabwean food processing companies to an exhibition in South Africa.

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