Maravi

Zambia Sugar starts raw sugar exports to Zimbabwe

Zambia Sugar starts raw sugar exports to Zimbabwe
Written by Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:21:12 PM

ZAMBIA Sugar Plc has commenced exports of raw sugar to Zimbabwe and the company is this year targeting to export more than 20, 000 metric tonnes, company secretary Lovemore Sievu announced yesterday.

In an interview, Sievu said the development was an indication of the need to nurture local companies.

Sievu said the country's largest sugar producer which is a unit of South Africa's Illovo Sugar’s could increase the export quota by extra 8, 000 metric tonnes as demand option for raw sugar in Zimbabwe was estimated to be at 28, 000 metric tonnes.

“We have now started exporting raw sugar to Zimbabwe and we are getting very good value for this sugar,” said Sievu who is also the company’s head of corporate affairs. “We are looking at exporting more 20, 000 metric tonnes this year.”

Sievu said with the inclusion of Zimbabwe, Zambia Sugar Plc was looking at augmenting the regional market, which comprised Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Currently, nations in the Great Lakes region accounted for one-third of Zambia Sugar total export volumes which currently stands at two-thirds of its total sugar output and the European market formed a key destination beyond regional requirements.

Sievu said the recent clinching of the Zimbabwean market manifested the economic sense of supporting local industries.

He however admitted that sugar was a very sensitive subject because it was food.

“About four years ago, some people wanted to push the government to open for sugar imports from Zimbabwe, saying our sugar here was very expensive, by that time, Zambia Sugar position was not as it is today,” Sievu said.

“But what is happening now is that Zambia has started exporting sugar to Zimbabwe and this is proof of the positive results that come when you nurture local and dependable industries and that is the right economic decision.”

Labels: ZAMBIA SUGAR COMPANY, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 3:21 PM