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Zambia’s first mobile phone maker hits Zim market

Zambia’s first mobile phone maker hits Zim market
Written by Kingsley Kaswende in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Monday, May 04, 2009 4:02:09 PM

ZAMBIA'S mobile phone manufacturer M-Tech has broken into the Zimbabwean market with the first order of 5,000 mobile phones through its newly-appointed distributor.
M-tech general manager Sean Bahremani said his firm managed to conclude a dealership agreement with Mohammed Mussa of Harare after their discussions at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

Bahremani said 48 other dealers had expressed interest to distribute the Zambian-manufactured cell phones, some from as far as Sudan, Libya, Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi.

However, he said the Zimbabwe distributorship was the only one immediately concluded while 12 others will be signed during the month.

"Zimbabwe is the stepping-stone into the regional market," he said.

He revealed this at a reception for Zambian exhibitors and Zambians based in Bulawayo held at the Rainbow Hotel.

Commerce minister Felix Mutati said trade was the only sustainable way Zambia could assist Zimbabwe get out of its economic problems.

"Zimbabwe doesn't need our cash. We need trade and mutual investments because that is what will be sustainable," he said.

Mutati said the Zambian government would ensure that it props up small and medium businesses because they had the potential to grow.

He said he would make sure that SMEs participated in all trade fairs and commercial shows held within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.

Mutati also said he would discuss with his Zimbabwean counterparts to see how a warehouse facility for Zambian goods to be traded in Zimbabwe could be set up.

He said this would ensure that goods are made available for buyers in Zimbabwe at short notice.

"We need to create a warehouse where Zambian products will be kept for procurement. Let's create this trading point where these goods will be traded," he said.

Mutati said the first two warehouses would be established in Harare and Bulawayo and will later on be replicated in other districts.

Labels: ITC

posted by MrK @ 2:20 PM