By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
ZAMBIA has struck deals worth US$140,000 at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which will boost the Non-Traditional Export (NTEs) products.
About 23 Zambian companies took part in the trade fair with products such as processed foods, assorted beverages, leather products, textiles and crafts.
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) director for export development, Jonathan Simwawa, described the just ended ZITF as a success with US$140,000 confirmed orders and US$160,000 unconfirmed orders.
The orders were recorded for the supply of Zambian products and this would increase the exports of non-traditional products, thereby generating foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Mr Simwawa said in Bulawayo yesterday that the orders were recorded for the supply of Zambian products.
He said a good number of trade enquiries were received confirming that Zimbabwe was a strong market that was still growing with opportunities for Zambian products to enter the market.
Mr Simwawa said there was need to put resources and plan in time in order to exploit the Zimbabwean market.
“We need to put resources and plan on time considering the quality of exhibits which were on display during the ZITF.
“We need to start early in preparing for the trade fair and to be more focused in terms of identifying the opportunities. Once we do that we should be able to get more results from that market,” he said.
Mr Simwawa urged companies that did not participate in the fair to come on board take advantage of the market and work with ZDA to achieve the intended results.
He said 94 trade enquiries were recorded that can be actualised for products that were displayed at the fair by Zambian companies including those that were not.
“Most of the enquiries were in distribution of products. This is the best entry stage to use to get into any market. ZDA looks forward to helping companies get into Zimbabwe,” Mr Simwawa said.
He commended the Zambian Embassy for putting great effort in promoting Zambian products in Zimbabwe which resulted in the ZITF awarding the country a silver medal for best and outstanding foreign display at the fair.