Maravi

(HERALD) ZimTrade, EU joint venture to boost communal farming

ZimTrade, EU joint venture to boost communal farming
Business Reporters

THE country’s trade promotion body, Zimtrade has embarked on an Agricultural Trade and Marketing Project in conjunction with the European Union that is aimed at benefiting not less than 1 200 communal farmers.

The project, which is being implemented as a measure to alleviate poverty, will run for two years and is set to boost Zimbabwe’s macro-economy.

The programme was meant to conscientise farmers on marketing of their produce, in terms of market access and production of high quality crops, among other aspects critical for successful export.

Speaking at a workshop held in Harare last week, ZimTrade chief executive Mr Herbert Chakanyuka said the project would benefit many communal farmers in different areas in as far as producing, harvesting and marketing of the produce is concerned.

"We are looking at working with rural farmers as we want to help them with knowledge on how to create a market base locally, regionally and internationally," said Mr Chakanyuka.

He also pointed out that one of the ways to regain macro-economic stability in the country was through the increase of export receipts.

"We have enough raw materials in the country that we can easily exploit to the benefit of our economy," he said.

Mr Chakanyuka also encouraged exporters to use trade maps that would assist them to search for new markets, suppliers and assess competition.

The trade maps would also enable the exporter to know his competitors and to evaluate tariffs and trade barriers that are detrimental to the export business.

Exporters were also urged to attain vast knowledge of regional markets such as Mozambique where the nation has a zero percent tariff, as the two countries are both Sadc affiliates.

"Exporting our products in the Sadc region is cheaper as we will not incur unnecessary costs because of the Free Trade Area launched by Sadc last year which allows the free movement of goods through elimination of tariff barriers except for sensitive goods," said Mr Chakanyuka.

Labels: EU, FARMERS, ZIMTRADE

posted by MrK @ 11:53 PM