By Rungano Dzikira

Zimbabwe export promotion group, Zimtrade has said Zimbabwe could leverage on experience as a major fresh produce exporter to Europe and target the vast African region’s fresh produce market.

Speaking at a live webinar, “Infinite possibilities; promoting trade between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” being held during the DRC mining week, this Wednesday,  Zimbabwe’s Zimtrade Chief Executive, Allan Majuru told participants that Zimbabwe’s agro firms could ‘easily extend the export of fresh produce to the African continent.’

Turning to DRC, Majuru said local firms have to find ways to overcome logistics issues and language barriers to fully tap into the DRC mining and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market.

“Zimbabwe has a vibrant and diversified manufacturing industry which can supply FMCG to the DRC, having said that, logistics issues and language barriers need to be overcome,” said Majuru.

Commenting on the logistics and language barriers issue, Boltgas International Chief Executive, Matthew Sibanda said local companies would need to combine efforts to minimise costs of penetrating new markets.

“Collaboration is crucial in supporting trade promotion and can assist both parties when entering new countries - utilising the Zimtrade platform is key to establishing inter-regional trade,” he said.

The DRC mining week webinar follows up to the second session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) held earlier this year in Botswana. ZimTrade also strengthened ties further by organising a virtual trade mission.

The virtual trade missions and export promotion webinars have come at a time when ZimTrade is ramping up efforts to scout for new export opportunities for local firms across the continent.

The trade promotion body says it has taken heed to Government’s call to initiate new ideas to kick start business - especially exports - amidst the restrictive COVID-19 induced regulations in the region.