HARARE, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's participation at the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) provides an important opportunity to deepen trade with China, ZimTrade, the country's national trade development and export promotion organization, has said.
A total of 16 companies from sectors including horticulture, tobacco, leather, arts and crafts, and e-commerce will feature under the Zimbabwe national pavilion at the CIIE to be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, ZimTrade said in a newsletter released on Wednesday.
"The presence of these firms reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen the country's export base and to connect local producers with international buyers. Exhibiting firms will engage directly with buyers, distributors, and investors, promoting quality products that reflect Zimbabwe's natural and cultural endowments," ZimTrade said.
It added that the event will provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to promote investment in the country's manufacturing and processing industries linked to the export sector.
ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru said Zimbabwe's participation at the CIIE provides an important opportunity to deepen trade with China.
"CIIE is a global platform that allows us to showcase the best of Zimbabwe, from our heritage-based products to our forward-looking industries," Majuru said, adding that increased exposure at such a high-profile event will help raise awareness of Zimbabwean products and attract sustainable buyers.
He underscored the broader impact of Zimbabwe's participation in national export development, noting that exhibitions such as CIIE build confidence in Zimbabwe as a reliable trading partner.
"It opens the door for value-added products, encourages investment in processing industries, and creates opportunities for employment across the value chain," Majuru said.
Majuru also commended the bilateral trade protocols signed between Zimbabwe and China, which allowed the export of Zimbabwean citrus, avocado, and blueberry to the vast Chinese market.
"These initiatives aim to expand agricultural exports, reduce informal trade leakages, and improve returns for local farmers," Majuru added. ■
