Women entrepreneurs establish business links in the Netherlands
Zimbabwean Women Entrepreneurs expressed optimism on potential business prospects following their participation in the recently held Trade Mission to the Netherlands.
The Mission which was conducted by the Brilliant Entrepreneur Program (BEP) in collaboration with ZimTrade, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Harare and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), created business linkages which could help local women entrepreneurs to tap into the Netherlands and EU Market.
The presentations conducted during the mission afforded the participants the opportunity to understand the business culture of the Netherlands, quality standards and legal requirements when conducting business. Opportunities identified during the Mission were mainly in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, processed foods and services.
During company visits and factory tours, it was observed that the market was now focusing on organic healthier, greener, biological and nutritious products. Participants were urged to pay attention to production techniques and processes as well as meeting the highest quality standards.
ZimTrade Director of Operations, Mr. Allan Majuru, urged participants to translate the opportunities into tangible outcomes.
“We identified various opportunities particularly in exports of organic foods which we have a comparative advantage in producing. Therefore, we urge entrepreneurs and other players in the sector to tap into the market”.
Below are comments from some of the participants.
“The Mission was informative and inspiring. I gained exposure of modern manufacturing techniques and technological advances. It also provided the learning opportunity to improve our own business and be competitive in the global arena” Mrs. Kareen Zambuko – Tropicool Blinds Managing Director
“The trade mission to the Netherlands showed that there are opportunities to make more efficient use of resources and impact positively on the Zimbabwean economy”. Dr. Herzel Kwaramba – Chinhoyi University of Technology.
“An intensive and informative week well spent. I learnt a lot about my industry and its innovations as well as other people and their cultures”. Mrs. Marina Hickey, Director Sykes Signs
“The Trade Mission was an eye opener, I learnt how to do business using international standards as well as understand the Dutch people’s expectations with regard to Tourism packages”. Mrs. Sekai Mushayi,Senior Consultant Funo Safaris
