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Auxilia Katongomara Business Reporter
ZIMTRADE will soon disseminate findings of its market research on the Zambia market, which was conducted in April this year. The survey was aimed at generating specific information on possible export products that local firms could consider for the neighboring country’s market.

The research findings are expected to be presented on June 25 and 26 in Harare and Bulawayo respectively.

ZimTrade said the research gathered other market related intelligence that would enhance the prospects of market penetration for Zimbabwean products.

“This market exploratory initiative will help ZimTrade to provide up-to-date trade intelligence to Zimbabwean companies, particularly existing and potential exporters,” it said in a statement.

“The research identified opportunities for local products and services in sectors such as building and construction, mining, agricultural implements and inputs, hardware, protective clothing, processed foodstuffs, packaging materials, tourism and human capital skills, among others.”

Zimbabwe’s exports to Zambia comprise plastic products, iron and steel products, agricultural equipment and implements, cement, paper and wood products, medicaments, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sugar, confectionery, food preparations, edible oils, chemicals and fertilisers, among others.

According to Zimstat, Zambia is the fourth largest export destination for Zimbabwean products accounting for 3,3 percent and 3,4 percent of total exports in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

“In its efforts to further facilitate companies to tap into the Zambian market and consolidate their presence, ZimTrade in collaboration with the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, is coordinating the participation of local companies at the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show (ZACS) to be held in Lusaka from 29 July to 3 August 2015,” said ZimTrade.

Trade between Zimbabwe and Zambia is governed by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Trade Agreements, which offer preferential treatment of qualifying products into each other’s market.