ZIMTRADE EXHIBITS AT ZITF 2017ZimTrade successfully participated at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2017 from 25 to 29 April 2017 under the theme “Building Linkages for Export Growth”.

Disclaimer: ZimTrade strives to compile reliable, research-based information that is passed on to our readers in good faith. However, ZimTrade does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information supplied, nor does it guarantee the status or reliability of any third party included in the Newsletter. Similarly opinions expressed by third parties in abstracts and/or interviews are not necessarily shared by ZimTrade. For more information about ZimTrade and its activities log on to www.zimtrade.co.zw

SEE STORY ON PAGE 2

HORTICULTURE SECTOR SET FOR MAJOR REVIVALPage 4

ZIMTRADE PUBLISHES 2017 TRADE DIRECTORYPage 2

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April 2017 www.zimtrade.co.zwwww.tradezimbabwe.cominfo@zimtrade.co.zwZimTradeAlerts

TOP STORY

NEW ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR EU BOUND ORGANIC PRODUCTS

ZimTrade CEO, Ms S. P. Pilime, takes His Excellency President of Zimbabwe, Cde R.G Mugabe, and Guest of Honour, Namibian President Dr. H. Geingob, on a tour of the ZimTrade exhibition stand at the just ended ZITF. Source: ZimTrade.

high standards have allowed us to become the best address for food in the world, but we must always strive to find new and better ways to do even more. These new rules will improve the traceability of organic products, which is an important growing market”, he said.

In practical terms, the changes will require the addition of these import certificates into the Trade Control & Expert System (TRACES) – the existing EU electronic system for tracking movements of food products across the EU.

The TRACES system has been facilitating trade through enabling trade partners and authorities to easily obtain information on the movements of their consignments and speeding up administrative procedures. It also proved to be an invaluable tool in facilitating the rapid reaction to health threats by tracing the movements of consignments and facilitating the risk management of rejected consignments.

The European Union successfully introduced a new electronic system of certification to improve the monitoring of imports of organic products.

The system, which is in use with effect from 19 April 2017 is enabling the EU to become a global leader in traceability and in the collection of reliable data on trade of these products. The e-certification system will contribute to enhancing food safety provisions and reducing potential fraud. It will also reduce the administrative burden for operators and authorities as well as provide much more comprehensive statistical data on organic imports.

The EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan reiterated on the need to uphold food safety standards

“Our commitment to stringent certification and inspection measures is an important component in the EU’s food safety standards. These

Celebrating a milestonein Zimbabwe’s Trade journey.

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stakeholders needs.

For feedback, suggestions or complaints about our service, please contact the Chief Executive Officer on ceo@zimtrade.co.zw

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ZIMTRADE EXHIBITS AT ZITF 2017ZimTrade indirect exhibitors won Awards as follows: • Mawabeni Designs: 1st place in the

Best Zimbabwean Exhibitor - Small and Medium Enterprise Category.

• Sweet Maungwe Honey: 2nd place in the Best Zimbabwean Exhibitor - Small and Medium Enterprise Category.

• Kozani Resources: 3rd place in the Best Zimbabwean Exhibitor - Small and Medium Enterprise Category.

• Sweet Maungwe Honey: 3rd place in the Best Zimbabwean display in the Food Group Category.

The exhibitors expressed gratitude to ZimTrade’s support. “We appreciate the platform that ZimTrade has given us to exhibit under their banner for the first time at ZITF and second time with them, the first time being at Zambia’s Agricultural and Commercial Show which we attended last year. It culminated in us opening a branch in Zambia which is operating successfully,” said Tripple Tee Footwear’s Sales and Marketing Executive Mr Godknows Simbanegavi.

The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Guest of Honour the

Namibian President Dr Hage Geingob were taken round the ZimTrade stand by the Chief Executive Officer Ms Sithembile Pilime.

The ZimTrade stand won third place in the Business Support Organisations

and Regulatory Bodies Category, a new competition introduced in 2017. Six SMEs were facilitated to participate at the trade fair under the ZimTrade Banner namely, Mawabeni Designs, Hardwoods for Africa, Sweet Maungwe Honey, Family Castings, Kozani Resources and Triple Tee Footwear.Visitors to the stand commended ZimTrade for always having a world class custom designed stand.

ZIMTRADE PUBLISHES 2017 TRADE DIRECTORY

The 2017 edition of the Trade Directory of Zimbabwe, published annually by ZimTrade, is now available.

The Trade Directory is an important platform for Zimbabwean companies to create awareness of their products and services on the local, regional and

international market, as well as to reach out to their existing and potential customers. It also contains detailed information that facilitates contact between Zimbabwean enterprises with foreign based companies/buyers. In addition, it provides contact details of trade related institutions such as banks, business membership organisations and freight forwarding companies, among others.

Available in both hard and soft copy format, the Trade Directory is distributed to existing and potential buyers/importers, foreign diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwean embassies in other countries, selected trade promotion organisations, trade support institutions as well as chambers of commerce and industry abroad.

The soft copy version can be accessed on the Trade Information Portal http://www.tradezimbabwe.com/how-we-can-help/trade-directory/

ZimTrade Market Analyst, Ms T. Mutandwa, demonstrating how utilise the Trade Information Portal (TIP) to source trade information. Source: ZimTrade.

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global imports of sweet potatoes in 2015. Currently, USA is the major exporter of sweet potatoes to Europe accounting for 44.8% of total imports. In 2016, Egypt, Senegal and South Africa exported sweet potatoes to Europe worth US$9 million, US$4 million and US$3 million respectively. According to TradeMap, Zimbabwe has

DEMAND FOR SWEET POTATOES IN THE EU CONTINUES TO SOAR

The huge demand for sweet potatoes in the European Union (EU) market which increased by 177.6% from US$107

million in 2012 to US$297 million in 2016, presents an opportunity for Zimbabwean companies in the horticulture sector.

The EU market accounted for 63% of

EU Imports for Sweet Potatoes

Source: TradeMap

Demand for sweet potatoes in the EU continues to soar

The huge demand for sweet potatoes in the European Union (EU) market which increased by 177.6% from US$107 million in 2012 to US$297 million in 2016, presents an opportunity for Zimbabwean companies within the horticulture sector. The EU market accounted for 63% of global imports of sweet potatoes in 2015. Currently, USA is the major exporter of sweet potatoes to Europe accounting for 44.8% of total imports. In 2016, African countries such as Egypt, Senegal and South Africa exported sweet potatoes to Europe worth US$9 million, US$4 million and US$3 million respectively. According to TradeMap, Zimbabwe has not recorded any export of sweet potatoes since 2012.

Source: TradeMap

The demand for sweet potatoes, particularly purple potatoes, is driven largely by the medicinal qualities of the crop. According to Fresh Plaza publication of 19 April 2017, sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants which are used in the prevention and treatment of more than 100 diseases.

The versatility of the tubers also appeals to a wider market in Europe. Sweet potatoes can be roasted, pureed, steamed, baked, grilled or added to soups and stews.

Zimbabwean farmers should consider growingS sweet potatos. The product must es producers must meet the minimum EU technical requirements to qualify for export into the EU. These requirements are classified according to product safety, technical standardisation, packaging and labelling. For more information on these requirements, please contact ZimTrade on 04 369 331-41 or visit the EU Help Desk on http://exporthelp.europa.eu/ or contact us on export@zimtrade,co.zw

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50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

US$(

000)

EU imports of sweet potatoes

United Kingdom Netherlands Germany France Belgium

Finland Ireland Italy Sweden Poland

Austria Spain Denmark Other EU Countries

Commented [VM1]: Let us have the 2016 figure

E-COMMERCE OPENING-UP NEW EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMES

Exporters are being encouraged to pursue online and social media marketing as a key component of

their retail strategy. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), SMEs run the risk of missing opportunities in both productivity and profitability by not engaging in e-commerce.

A survey by the Centre for Retail Research revealed that e-commerce is the fastest growing retail market in Europe and North America. Online sales in the UK, Germany,

France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Poland as well as Spain grew by 18.6% in 2015 and similar growth figures are expected for 2017.

E-commerce and social media marketing offers opportunities for small to medium sized exporters in Zimbabwe who may lack the capacity to sell directly to the global market. It suits those exporters who may not have the physical means in terms of retail outlets as well as those with a small promotional budget. Companies can also use it as a “guerilla marketing strategy” especially when targeting niches in sectors dominated by well established brands.

This development is pinned on a new trend called “Factory to Consumer Sales” which has seen online shops like Alibaba grow to prominence. The model is easy and cheap since it allows exporters to supply directly without the need for a middleman or physical retail structures. Unlike the requirements necessary to run a business from a physical building, e-commerce does not require storage space, insurance, or infrastructure investment on the part of the retailer. The

not recorded any export of sweet potatoes since 2012.

The demand for sweet potatoes, particularly purple potatoes, is driven largely by the medicinal qualities of the crop. According to Fresh Plaza publication of 19 April 2017, sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants which are used in the prevention and treatment of more than 100 diseases.

The versatility of the tubers also appeals to a wider market in Europe. Sweet potatoes can be roasted, pureed, steamed, baked, grilled or added to soups and stews.

Zimbabwean farmers should consider growing sweet potatos. The product must must meet the minimum EU technical requirements to qualify for export into the EU. These requirements are classified according to product safety, technical standardisation, packaging and labelling. For more information on these requirements, please visit the EU Help Desk on http://exporthelp.europa.eu/ or contact us on export@zimtrade.co.zw

only pre-requisite is a well-designed web storefront to reach customers.

The advantages cuts across most sectors including clothing and textiles, art and crafts, processed foods as well as fresh produce among others. Dr. Dieter George Herbst reporting at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2017 outlined the potential within e-commerce. He indicated that 40% of Germans are open to the idea of buying their groceries on line and one in three has already ordered fresh produce from the internet.

Some of the tools used in e-commerce include a web storefront, mainstream social media plartforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter as well as online retail sites such as Alibaba, Jumore and Etsy, Amazon and EBay among others.

ZimTrade periodically holds Online and Social Media Marketing training under its flagship capacity development programme, the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness (MBIC) Programme. For more details on developing you online business, you can contact info@zimtrade.co.zw

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HORTICULTURE SECTOR SET FOR MAJOR REVIVAL AS COLEACP COMES BACK TO ZIMBABWE

The Europe-Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Liaison Committee (COLEACP) launched the Fit for Market

programme to assist the horticultural sector in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions in December 2016. The programme, managed by COLEACP, is part of the intra‐ACP indicative programme (2014‐2020) for co-operation between the European Union (EU) and the ACP countries. The budget for the five-year

programme is €25 million, including €20 million from the European Development Fund (EDF).

The budget for the five-year programme is €25 million, including €20 million from the European Development Fund (EDF).

Speaking on the sidelines of the Fruit Logistica Expo held in Berlin, Germany recently, the Regional Coordinator of

COLEACP Operations for Zimbabwe, Ms. Yessie Meyer, informed the visiting Zimbabwean team that COLEACP will be visiting the country in May 2017 to analyse the first requests for support received from Zimbabwean entities under the Fit for Market programme.

“The programme aims at assisting the growth of enterprises, by improving their access to international and domestic markets, whilst at the same time strengthening the horticulture value chain through capacity building”, said Ms. Yessie.

Ms. Meyer stressed that the organisation will be paying special attention to smallholder famers and small scale enterprises for sustainable and inclusive development through capacity building as well as an active training system.

“This programme will not only alleviate poverty but will also allow smallholder farmers, producer groups, farmer organisations, and small and medium enterprises, to access international and domestic fruit and vegetable markets by complying with the international standards and market requirements, in a sustainable framework”, added Ms. Meyer.

Ms. Y. Meyer of COLEACP (left) during an engagement with ZimTrade Export Development Manager, Mrs. P. Muzenda, at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany, recently. Source: ZimTrade.

EXPORTERS URGED TO UTILISE THE ZIMBABWE TRADE INFORMATION PORTAL

ZimTrade is urging existing and potential exporters to utilise the Zimbabwe Trade Information Portal

(TIP) for access to information required to expand a company or product’s presence in foreign markets. The TIP is an online platform that provides a comprehensive, single-point access of up-to-date trade, investment, economic and regulatory information.

The information on the portal assists businesses in making informed decisions. Information such as export market briefs/reports, export and import procedures, trade agreements and regulations, among others is available. In addition, the TIP gives access to useful contacts, upcoming trade events, latest trade related news as well as a virtual library.

Key services on the Portal in brief:Online Export Trade DirectoryOne of the key services on the portal is the online export directory. This is a digital business directory which lists businesses of all sizes from the different sectors in Zimbabwe. The directory allows companies to add their details, upload images of their products as well as update any useful corporate information as and when they are changes.

Export Readiness CheckerThe export readiness checker is another tool that can be accessed on the TIP. It can be used by existing and potential exporters to conduct self-export readiness assessment. The checker helps to identify areas for capacity development. It covers areas such as production capacity, export marketing skills, resources, amongst others.

Market Analysis ToolsThe platform hosts online tools such as the Zimbabwe-European Union Business Information Centre (Zim-EBIC) and the International Trade Centre’s Market Analysis Tools. These online tools provide the requisite market intelligence.

Chat PlatformThe TIP also offers users/visitors a live chat platform service (‘Chat with us’), which is located at the bottom right corner of all the webpages on the portal. The live chat platform is convenient and fast in that it provides real-time responses, as there is always a ZimTrade agent online to assist with queries.

To learn more about the TIP visit www.tradezimbabwe.com today or contact us on export@zimtrade.co.zw

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Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo, Kitwe29-30 June 2017Tel: +260 96 161 7856Email: gareth.murgatroyd@spintelligent.com Website: www.cbm-tec.com

Zambia Agriculture & Commercial Show, Lusaka 2-7 August 2017Tel: +260 1 253 426/ 415Fax: +260 1 254 898Email: acsz@zarnet.zm Website: www.acsz.co.zm

7th Zambia International Mining & Energy Conference & Exhibition, Lusaka22–23 June 2017Email: zambia@ametrade.org Website: www.ametrade.org/zimeczambia/

Windhoek Show, Windhoek 29 September–7 October 2017Tel: +264 61 224 748 Fax: +264 61 227 707 Email: info@wssnam.org Website: www.windhoekshow.na

SENEGAL

26th Dakar International Trade Fair, Dakar December 2017 Tel: +221 33 827 3465/ 2530 Fax: +221 33 827 5275/ 78 Email: dec@cicesfidak.com Website: www.cicesfidak.com

2nd Senegal International Housing, Building & Construction Exhibition & Conference, Dakar10-12 October 2017Tel: +221 33 820 5214Email: mfaye@ametrade.orgWebsite: www.ametrade.org

SOUTH AFRICA

Africa’s Big Seven, Johannesburg25-27 June 2017Tel: +27 11 7837250 Fax: +27 11 7837269 Email: director@exhibitionsafrica.com Website: www.exhibition.com

SAITEX, Johannesburg25-27 June 2017Tel: +27 11 2663000Fax: +27 11 2663205Email: info@gallagher.co.zaWebsite: www.gallagher.co.zw

TANZANIA

Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, Dar es Salaam 28 June-8 July 2017Tel: +255 22 285 0238Fax: +255 22 285 0239Email: betis@intafrica.com Website: www.tptanzania.com ZAMBIA

Zambia International Trade Fair, Ndola28 June-4 July 2017Tel: +260 212 651 514Email: zitf2000@coppernet.zm; marketing@zitf.org.zmWebsite: www.zitf.org.zm

BELGIUM

Foire Agricole-Agricultural, Forestry and Food Industry Exhibition, Libramont28-31 Jul 2017Tel: +32 61 230404Fax: +32 61 230409Website: www.foiredelibramont.be

RUSSIA

Russian International Industrial Trade Rair “INNOPROM”, Ekaterinburg, Russia10-13 July 2017Tel: +7 (963) 970 89 49Email: martinen@formika.ruor Mr. V. Cheure Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 4 730081/7Email: enterprise@indandcom.co.zw

NETHERLANDS

GreenTech Amsterdam- Horticulture Technology, Amsterdam12-14 Jun 2018Tel: +31 20 549 12 12Email: greentech@rai.nl ; registration@rai.nl Website: www.greentech.nl

TradeFairs

Get

& Exhibitions

In Touch

ANGOLA

Luanda International Trade Fair, Luanda18-23 July 2017Tel: +244 926 405 970Fax: +244 222 862 161Email: feiras@fil-angola.co.ao Website: http://www.fil-angola.co.ao/

BOTSWANA

Global Expo Botswana, Gaborone 23-26 Nov 2017Tel: +267 318 1931 Fax: +267 317 0423 Email: globalexpobotswana@bedia.bw Website: www.globalexpo.co.bw

KENYA

Kenya International Trade Exhibition, Nairobi2–4 June 2017Tel: +254 722 886 376; 791 966 333 Email: feedback@expogr.comWebsite: http://expogr.com/expokenya

MALAWI

Malawi International Trade Fair, Blantyre 24 May-3 June 2017Tel: +265 1 871988/813 Fax: +265 1 871147 E-mail: mcci@mcci.org Website: www.mcci.org

MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM), Maputo 27 August-3 September 2017Tel: +258 1 427 151 Fax: +258 1 427 129 Email: sogex@tvcabo.co.mz Website: www.facimfair.com

NAMIBIA

Ongwediva Trade Fair, Ongwediva25 August-2 September 2017Tel: +264 65 230191Fax: +264 65 230610Email: ongwetradefair@iway.naWebsite: www.ongwediva.com.na

AFRICA

INTERNATIONAL

904 Premium CloseMount Pleasant Business ParkP. O. Box 2738Harare, Zimbabwe

Tel: +263 (4) 369330-41

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Tel: +263 (9) 66151/62378 ZimTradeAlerts

ZimTrade Zimbabwe

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