Bulawayo, (New Ziana) –Local industries should take bold decisions of exporting their products and capitalise on the numerous opportunities that global markets present, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Thursday.
He said this while addressing delegates attending the Annual Exporters Conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo which trade promotion body ZimTrade organised.
The conference serves as a platform for the business community and policymakers to discuss issues of mutual interest in the export sector. This year’s event, which attracted buyers from six regional and two international markets, ran under theme “Qala/Tanga/Start.”
“Our local industries that have not yet ventured into exporting are encouraged to get started, make bold decisions, and seize the numerous opportunities offered by global markets,” President Mnangagwa stated.
“This effort must foster inclusivity in growing exports from all provinces and help shift mindsets as we accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030,” he added.
President Mnangagwa commended ZimTrade for its efforts to boost exports through the clustering of key economic sectors, an approach which has enabled Zimbabwean companies to enter and expand in both traditional and non-traditional markets.
He highlighted that Zimbabwe’s exports increased to US$4.56 billion from January to August this year, marking a 1.8 percent rise from US$4.48 billion during the same period last year.
“This growth is attributed to gains in horticulture and value-added exports, which rose by 5.2 percent and 2.3 percent respectively.
“This is a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment of our people to achieve economic growth and prosperity,” he said.
President Mnangagwa implored local businesses to remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing trade potential on the regional, continental, and global stages.
“You should move quickly to diversify and improve your product portfolio to remain relevant and competitive in line with global technological advancements,” he urged.
To succeed in the export sector, the President emphasised the importance of sound research and development, noting that the government has established Innovation Hubs at all state universities to foster and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement across the country.
President Mnangagwa also stressed the pivotal role of the transport sector as a key enabler of trade and economic growth, giving assurance that the government will continue to implement programs and projects to modernise transport infrastructure, ensuring the smooth and safe movement of goods, services, and people.
“We have transformed our road infrastructure in the country within five years,” he stated. Additionally, the President reaffirmed the committment of his administration to address non-tariff barriers that hinder trade.
He emphasized the importance of facilitating cross-border commerce and ensuring that the SADC and COMESA regional economic communities serve as engines of economic growth.
On the review of the Zimbabwe National Export Strategy, President Mnangagwa g that it should address emerging global and local challenges while embracing opportunities in the export sector, particularly within the manufacturing industry.
New Ziana
