ZIMBABWEAN companies clinched deals worth over $1 million at the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show (Zacs) held in Lusaka recently, the country’s trade promotion body, ZimTrade has said.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
Zacs ran from July 28 to August 3.
ZimTrade said more than 25 companies drawn from sectors such as building and construction, wood to furniture, processed foods, as well as agricultural inputs and implements, among others, participated in the event.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the show followed a market research of the Zambian market conducted by ZimTrade in April 2015, which identified areas of opportunity for local companies.
ZimTrade said Zimbabwe won the “Best International Exhibit” award and buyers were impressed with the quality of products the country has.
“Potential buyers and visitors to the Zimbabwe Pavilion were impressed with the quality of products on display,” said ZimTrade.
This year’s show, according to ZimTrade, attracted exhibitors from 21 countries including Germany, Israel, Pakistan, China, India, United States of America, Tanzania, Mozambique and Ghana, among others.
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ZimTrade urged existing and potential exporters to Zambia and other markets in Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and Sadc to take advantage of duty free trade agreements that exist by registering with Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
Zacs is a multi-sectoral event, which showcases agricultural machinery and implements, industrial equipment, plastic products, forestry products, livestock, poultry products, horticulture, motor vehicles, trading, financial services, as well as fishing products, among others.
In 2014, the event attracted over 1 000 Zambian and foreign exhibitors who showcased their products and services, while over 200 000 visitors, including foreigners, attended the show.
ZimTrade conducted the Zambian market research in April 2015 to establish the export potential of Zimbabwean products and services. The research identified opportunities in areas such mining supplies including protective wear; fashion and corporate wear; construction industry supplies; manufacturing inputs; agricultural implements and inputs; fast moving consumer goods as well as professional services as among others.
In addition, the research indicated that Zambia imports about 90% of its manufactured goods and, in 2014, the country’s total import bill was $9,5 billion. With an estimated population of 14,6 million, a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $25,5 billion and a GDP per capita of $1 800, Zambia presents a huge potential for expansion of Zimbabwe’s export capacity.
Total trade between the two countries was worth $283 million in 2014 is governed by the Comesa and Sadc trade agreements, which offer preferential treatment for qualifying products into each other’s market.
