By Charles Motsi
The recently launched Zimbabwe National Trade Policy and the National Export Strategy are expected to promote exports and effectively position the country’s exports in traditional markets and secure new ones.
This was said by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, RTD. LT. Gen Dr Sibusiso B. Moyo at the ongoing ZimTrade Exporters’ Conference being held in Bulawayo.
The strategic document which was officially launched by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa today is meant to aid in the attainment of Vision 2030 goals set by Government.
“The main strategic goal is to increase total exports of goods and services by at least 10% annually from around USD 4.5 billion in 2018 to USD 7 billion by 2023, and to USD 14 billion by 2030 (The 7:14 Targets),” said Minister Moyo.
The Minister highlighted that all Zimbabwean Embassy employees across the world will be adequately trained in business diplomacy so that foreign missions play their part in boosting trade with their host countries.
“Our foreign missions are expected to effectively advance this policy by actively promoting and facilitating trade and investment cooperation with the rest of the world. All foreign service officers are going to be trained on advancing economic diplomacy and foreign trade” said Minister Moyo.
Conference delegates had queries on the ease of doing business and how Government was doing to simplifying processes. Minister Moyo assured them that his Ministry was currently rethinking current ways of doing business in order to come up with successful methods of growing exports.
“In line with current efforts to revive the economy, the theme: ‘Rethink. Reform. Export’ resonates very well with the urgent need for ease of doing business reforms to address an array of issues affecting exporters raised here today,” said Minister Moyo.
This year’s edition of the Exporters’ Conference is unique in the sense that it is the first time it is being held outside Harare and Minister Moyo lauded this move as one of the positives of the devolution process.
“I am happy that this year’s event has been strategically brought to Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens. This move aligns very well with Government’s current drive on devolution and thrust to empower Provinces,” said Minister Moyo.
ZimTrade has also organised a Buyers Seminar which will see buyers meet and share ideas on issues affecting their trade, to be held tomorrow.
