Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed confidence, that the ongoing Exporters Market Conference will play a crucial role in enhancing stakeholder understanding of key issues surrounding country branding, logistical challenges, and trade finance solutions for exporters.

Addressing delegates at the opening of the conference at  the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Bulawayo, and the president highlighted the importance of the discussions in driving economic growth and facilitating smoother trade relations.

 "I am confident that the topics under discussion during the Conference will be beneficial in terms of sharpening stakeholders' perspectives with regards to promoting country brands, navigating logistical challenges, and identifying trade finance solutions for exporters," said President Mnangagwa

The conference, which brings together policymakers, business leaders, and trade experts from across the globe, aims to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing export-driven economies, particularly in Africa.

Brand Africa founder, and the author of the book, The traveller Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa, Dr. Thebe Ikalafeng emphasized that, as Zimbabwe looks to increase its global export footprint, solutions presented at the conference could help reshape the nation's trade infrastructure and the economy.

“Zimbabwe Export Week is a very important initiative, because if we need to move forward we are going to support, build consumers made in Zimbabwe, products made in Africa,” said Dr. Ikalafeng

Topics under review include the enhancement of national branding strategies to improve global market presence, the reduction of barriers in transportation and logistics that hinder trade, and innovative financing options to support exporters in accessing capital.

The event, which is expected to continue for several days, includes a series of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore collaborations.

The ZimTrade initiative which connects international buyers and  investors with local producers ,is expected to focus on practical solutions and policy frameworks, which can be implemented to reduce barriers to trade and improve financial systems for exporters, ultimately helping to drive economic recovery in the region.