By Charles Motsi

The country’s top exporters were yesterday here in Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens, honoured by ZimTrade at the 2019 ZimTrade Exporter of the Year Awards.

The Awards are meant to recognise those who have excelled and distinguished themselves in their trade regardless of the prevailing economic challenges.

While addressing companies and the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, RTD. LT. Gen Dr Sibusiso B. Moyo, said the purpose of the event was to recognise and reward companies for their efforts.

“The event is intended to recognize and reward companies that have, despite all odds, excelled in export business in a range of categories of ‘Made in Zimbabwe’ products which are finding their markets beyond our borders,” he said.

In his congratulatory remarks Minister Moyo implored ZimTrade to take full advantage of Government’s devolution policy to identify various products for export and not limit them to traditional product’s and markets but expand their focus to include new products and markets.

“ZimTrade is expected to work with Provincial Administrations in identifying products with export potential, come with export development and promotion plans. There is need to cast our nets wider – we need to diversify our export products and markets. If we focus on the traditional markets only, opportunities to grow will be limited,” said Minister Moyo.

The night ultimately belonged to Padenga Holdings who walked away with the overall 2019 Exporter of the Year Award.

Companies who won in various categories are as follows:

Building and Construction Sector

Winner-The Wattle Company Ltd

 

Flori Culture Sector (Flower Exporters)

Winner- Zimflex

 

Fresh Produce Sector

Winner- Selby Enterprise Pvt Ltd

 

Agricultural Input Sector

Winner- Seedco Ltd

 

Textile Sector

Winner- Zimbabwe Spinners and Weavers Ltd

 

Clothing Sector

Winner- Paramount Exports Pvt Ltd

 

Processed Food Sector

Winner- Tanganda Tea Company

 

Pharmaceutical Sector

Winner- Varichem Pharmaceutical

 

Agricultural Implements

Winner- William Bain Co

 

Leather Products and Footwear

Winner- Laser line trophy services

 

Hides and Skins Sector

Winner- Padenga Holdings Ltd

 

Furniture Sector

Winner-JW Wilson International

 

Engineering Sector

Winner- Treger Products

 

Household and Electrical Sector

Winner- Treger Products

 

SME Exporter of the Year

Winner-Texcolour Pvt Ltd

 

Overall Exporter of the Year

Padenga Holdings