President Emmerson Mnangagwa
By Dickson Bandera
Government is pleased with the outstanding work being done by ZimTrade towards growing Zimbabwe exports as the country pursues an export-led and technology driven economy, which is nested in the Heritage Based Economy 5:0.
ZimTrade is a national trade development and promotion organization which assists Zimbabwean exporters, including first-time exporters and potential exporters, to develop, promote and facilitate export of their goods and services to the world.
To date it has managed to develop and facilitate trade on existing and new markets for seasoned and new exporters through a wide range of programmes, and this has charmed government.
In his remarks when he officially opened the ZimTrade 2023 Exports Conference in Harare this Thursday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended ZimTrade for the growing export base.
“I am pleased to note that strides have already been made towards implementing these in readiness for enhanced and competitive participation in the regional, continental and global economy.
“As you will recall, the launch of the National Export Strategy in 2019, set an export growth target of US$7 billion by 2023, with the diversification of markets being a major objective. In 2022, this target was surpassed through unity of purpose and hard honest work, by our exporting companies, across all sectors. I congratulate you all for a job well done, Makorokoto, Amhlophe,” said the president.
Zimbabwe is home to many products from sectors such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing that are on demand on the international market.
Furthermore, Zimbabwe has one of the best climates in the world with good weather conditions and quality soils amenable to the growing of numerous horticultural products such as mange tout, sugar snaps, peas, sugar beans, peaches, nectarines, citrus, blueberries, strawberries and cut flowers, among others.
President Mnangagwa noted that ZimTrade compliance with the devolution policy has enhanced growth in horticultural exports.
“It is pleasing that ZimTrade has continued to nurture various provincial clusters, in the horticulture sub-sector. This has resulted in increased exports of horticultural produce while ensuring the adherence to international standards to gain market access, so that these are understood and implemented by our farming communities,” he said.
In line with the growing need to adopt and harness technology, president Mnangagwa said, “Meanwhile, the adoption and use of technology in agriculture has been scaled up as the nation strives towards climate-smart farming. This is further facilitating our agricultural sector to become more efficient and productive”.
But in all the efforts, inclusivity should be at the center, says the president.
“As we chart the path for increased and sustainable exports, let us remain inclusive and ensure that the economic contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, women and the youth is consolidated.
“I commend ZimTrade for the youth-focused Eagle’s Nest Programme which has facilitated the development of new and viable youth-owned businesses that have generated interest from international buyers.
“The hard work culture and innovations behind the businesses under this programme will undoubtedly contribute to our export earnings, and the realisation of broad-based empowerment and wealth creation,” he said.
Last year ZimTrade scooped the prestigious World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) 2022 Award in Ghana, with the Eagles’ Nest Youth Export Incubation Programme, under the Best Initiative for Inclusive and Sustainable Trade.
President Mnangagwa was also impressed by the women empowerment programme that has seen women-owned businesses thriving.
“Equally, the NEXT She-Exporter Programme has seen women-owned businesses growing to become exporting entities, with footprints spanning into Europe and the Middle East. Well done,” he complimented.
He reminded the business community to create sustainable chain supplies and mutually beneficial synergies.
“Going forward, I challenge, ZimTrade and other stakeholders to continue developing and nurturing mutually beneficial synergies across all sectors of the economy. You must ensure that the established export
markets have sustainable supply chains,” said the president.
