Zim exports to EU on the rise

via Zim exports to EU on the rise – DailyNews Live • 14 April 2016

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s exports to the European Union (EU) have increased by 14 percent to $54,2 million from $28,6 million recorded in 2014, latest figures from ZimTrade show.

Data released yesterday by the local trade development and promotion organisation revealed that the country’s exports to the European trading bloc have been steadily rising from $30 million recorded in 2012 to $45,9 million in 2013.

Dominant exports included tobacco, citrus fruits, tea, vegetables, leguminous vegetables and flowers.

This is in light of the country’s trade deficit slumping 19 percent to $380 million in the first two months of 2016 on prior year.

Before relations with the EU froze Zimbabwe used to export produce worth over $200 million annually to the bloc’s different countries.

However, ZimTrade’s chief executive Sithembile Pilime yesterday said exports were likely to surpass the $60 million mark this year.

“We expect horticultural exports to increase significantly this year as we are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with Pum for experienced personnel to come into the country and help horticultural farmers to make the most of their businesses.

“We expect that the expertise will also branch into other sectors of the economy like manufacturing so that the country boosts its exports to the EU.” she said.

Pum, which specialises in linking businesses in developing countries to Dutch senior specialists, is expected — under the agreement — to send experienced and retired experts in various fields to assist small scale farmers in the country.

“As we speak, operations are already underway and 11 missions have been deployed, 16 more are in the pipeline and we are looking at a total of 40 missions this year,” the organisation’s Zimbabwe representative Prosper Matondi said.

The Pum professionals will execute short-term, solid consultancy projects on the work floor and provide businesses with the required knowledge and experience.

Pum has a network comprising some 3 200 volunteers in 80 sectors of industry.

They consult in almost every field imaginable and adopt a business-like approach, focusing as objectively as possible on the improvement of business management.