COMPANIES in the agricultural sector have been urged to take advantage of the Zambian market after Zimbabwe contributed about 3% to that country’s imports share in 2015.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
ZimTrade, the country’s export promotion body, said Zimbabwean products were of high quality, but companies were failing to penetrate foreign markets.
Recently, the body led a number of companies who exhibited at the Agritech Expo held in Chisamba, Zambia and it was revealed that Zimbabwean products were commended for their quality as well as their fitness for the farming community.
It said during his tour of the Zimbabwean Pavilion Zambian President Edgar Lungu applauded Zimbabwe for supporting regional trade through participating in shows such as the Agritech Expo.
“He further commended Zimbabwean companies for adapting their products, which included tractor-drawn farming implements, agricultural inputs and irrigation equipment, to the specific needs of small-scale farmers,” ZimTrade said.
According to Trade Map, Zambia imported agricultural equipment worth $15,3 million in 2015, with the main supplying markets being South Africa (45%), Brazil (9%) and China (8%).
“However, Zimbabwe’s contribution was 3% and this presents a huge potential for local companies to increase exports to Zambia as they enjoy distance advantage over other competitors,” ZimTrade said.
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Zimbabwean companies, who were facilitated by ZimTrade to participate at the Expo expressed optimism on prospects of making in-roads in the Zambian market.
Arthur Garden Engineering marketing manager Itayi Kureya commended ZimTrade for the role it was playing in assisting local companies to promote their products through participation in specialised exhibitions.
Another participant, Zimbabwe Spring Steel business development manager, Martin Charteris, said through the expo, they managed to establish contacts and gain useful information that would help them to develop and grow their business.
ZFC Ltd exports and distribution manager Richard Gurira said the level of visitors to their stands were of high quality.
“The Expo was a perfect arena where we managed to meet key players in the Zambian agricultural sector and prospects for the future are very high,” he said.
Cochrane Pump Zimbabwe managing director Godwin Murambiwa, said the expo exposed their products to the Zambian market and they have established useful contacts as well as business leads.
