AT LEAST 80 Zimbabwean companies from different sectors met a Mozambican business delegation yesterday, in an engagement organised by the trade development and promotion body, ZimTrade, as the country seeks to expand its trade market base.
The local companies and buyers, who met the Mozambican delegation, which included eight buyers, were drawn from the processed foods and beverages sectors, horticulture, agricultural implements and inputs, packaging, building and construction, engineering services, and protective wear, among others.
“This inward trade mission is testimony of the trade and investment opportunities that exist in Mozambique and the need to further explore them.
“There is a need to capitalise on the proximity of the two countries to increase trade therein,” ZimTrade chief executive Allan Majuru said yesterday.
He also encouraged companies in both countries to take advantage of the Sadc Trade Protocol, the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Bilateral Trade Agreement, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to market their products.
“Trading under the AfCFTA presents enormous business opportunities for the Pan-African Private Sector, SMEs, Women and Youths as the continent takes this bold move towards boosting intra-African trade.
“The mission is part of ZimTrade’s efforts to grow trade and business networks among companies in our two countries. It is a follow up on previous trade missions held to cement trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
“We are pleased that some of the Zimbabwean and Mozambican companies have established mutually beneficial partnerships and contacts which have culminated into business orders over the years through such events,” Majuru added.
According to Trade Map, which provides international trade statistics, Mozambique imported goods worth US$17 million last year from Zimbabwe.
The goods included tobacco, ceramic products and dairy produce, among others.
“The figure is still low despite the proximity and good political relations that exist between the two countries. Although this is a challenge, it also presents opportunities,” Majuru said.
Globally, Mozambique imported, among other things, electrical machinery, salt, wood, sulphur, steel and plastic products worth US$6,6 billion last year.
