Botswana is exploring the possibilities of importing horticultural produce from Zimbabwe following bilateral trade agreements between the two countries.
A joint venture organic fertilisers manufacturing project between Zimbabwe and Botswana based companies commissioned in Harare Thursday has created a platform for trade linkages between the two countries.
Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Retired Lieutenant General, Louis Fisher said the neighbouring country is interested in importing fresh produce from Zimbabwe.
“We are exploring all the avenues to ensure that we do not lag behind, however, our motive is linked to the need towards improvising modern techniques and fresh produce imports,” said Ambassador Fisher.
With Botswana extending the market share of organic fertilisers in Zimbabwe, the need for affordable cost structures also becomes important.
“The organic fertilisers project is coming at the right time and we are definitely looking beyond any further doubt that it will create the best,” agronomist Mrs Lucia Muzah.
Standards Association of Zimbabwe Director General, Dr Eve Gadzikwa said production of quality certified products will also enable the local fresh produce sector to increase its market share in Botswana and other external markets.
“There is a lot that we can learn but I am just confident the fresh produce sector can produce quality goods at competitive rates,” Dr Gadzikwa said.
The setting up of the organic fertilisers project in Zimbabwe is among other factors expected to ease limited supplies of the commodity with the issue of affordable pricing models for the benefit of the farmers being anxiously anticipated by industry and commerce.
Source: ZBC
