Zimbabwean products, which were exhibited at the Agritech Expo recently held in Chisamba, Zambia, were commended for their quality as well as their fitness for purpose for the farming community.
During his tour of the Zimbabwean Pavilion, the Zambian President, Mr. Edgar Lungu, applauded Zimbabwe for supporting regional trade through participating in shows such as the Agritech Expo. He further commended Zimbabwean companies for adapting their products, which included tractor-drawn farming implements, agricultural inputs and irrigation equipment, to the specific needs of small-scale farmers.
According to Trade Map, Zambia imported agricultural equipment worth US$15.3 million in 2015, with the main supplying markets being South Africa (45%), Brazil (9%) and China (8%). However, Zimbabwe’s contribution was 3% and this presents a huge potential for local companies to increase exports to Zambia as they enjoy distance advantage over other competitors.
Zimbabwean companies, who were facilitated by ZimTrade to participate at the Expo, expressed optimism on prospects of making in-roads in the Zambian market.
Arthur Garden Engineering Marketing Manager, Mr. Itayi Kureya, commended ZimTrade for the role it is playing in assisting local companies to promote their products through participation in specialised exhibitions.
Comments from some of the participants
“Through the expo, we managed to establish contacts and gain useful information that will help us to develop and grow our business.” Mr. Martin Charteris, Business Development Manager, Zimbabwe Spring Steel.
“The level of visitors to our stands was of high quality. The Expo was a perfect arena where we managed to meet key players in the Zambian agricultural sector and prospects for the future are very high”. Richard Gurira, Exports and Distribution Manager, ZFC Ltd.
“Agritech Expo exposed our products to the Zambian market and we have established useful contacts as well as business leads”. Godwin Murambiwa, Managing Director, Cochrane Pump Zimbabwe.
