ZimTrade is developing strategies to increase rock melon production and exports to diversify the country’s export options.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200032574/zimtrade-eyes-rock-melon-exports">NewsDay</a>, the agency has set up a rock melon export group, collaborating with local universities, vocational training centres, smallholder and rural farmers, and a local consolidator called Eden Chase.
ZimTrade aims to take advantage of the growing demand for rock melons in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East, where there is an increasing appetite for Zimbabwean horticultural products.
The UAE has been identified as a key market for Zimbabwean rock melons due to its heavy reliance on imported fruits to satisfy consumer needs.
Allan Majuru, the CEO of ZimTrade, said that they are working with local farmers to help them meet production standards and other requirements for the Middle Eastern markets. Said Majuru:
<blockquote>
Our local farmers and exports have a unique opportunity to carve out a niche within this lucrative market, and there is room to leverage other crops that are already doing well in the market and existing supply routes.
To achieve successful entry into these markets, we are working with local farmers to ensure they comply with production standards and other requirements in these markets.
The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, including integrated pest management, water conservation, and organic farming methods, will ensure compliance and will also enhance the reputation of Zimbabwean produce in the targeted markets.
</blockquote>
Majuru said ZimTrade exhibited rock melons and other horticultural produce such as blueberries at Malaysia’s leading Halal showcase in a bid to unlock market access to Malaysia. He said:
<blockquote>
We deliberately placed a spotlight on rock melons and other horticultural produce such as blueberries at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, which ran from September 17 to 20.
The event presented local producers provided a unique platform for local farmers to connect directly with leading buyers in the growing Halal market, and the networking sessions, exhibitions, and business matching services, allowed local exhibitors to gain access to a diverse pool of international buyers interested in high-quality Zimbabwe-grown rock melons.
</blockquote>
Majuru revealed that Chinhoyi University of Technology has successfully exported rock melons to Dubai. Said Majuru:
<blockquote>
We have also seen enhanced cultivation techniques, driven by the research and training initiatives provided by learning institutions; promise to yield a higher quality product capable of competing in a competitive market.
Already, Chinhoyi University of Technology has successfully exported rock melons to Dubai and has emerged as a leader in the production and export of rock melons.
</blockquote>
Rock melon has a rough, netted skin that is typically orange or beige, and its flesh is sweet, juicy, and usually orange in colour and is popular in many parts of the world for its refreshing taste and high water content.
Rock melons are often eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or blended into smoothies. Rich in vitamins A and C, rock melons are not only delicious but also nutritious.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

ZimTrade is helping farmers grow more rock melons to sell to other countries. They are working with universities, farmers, and a company called Eden Chase. The United Arab Emirates wants to buy rock melons from Zimbabwe. ZimTrade is teaching farmers how to grow rock melons well. They showed rock melons in Malaysia to find more buyers. A university already sent rock melons to Dubai. Rock melons are yummy, healthy fruits with lots of water. ZimTrade wants more countries to buy rock melons from Zimbabwe.

ZimTrade Plans To Boost Rock Melon Production And Export

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, has fired economist Gift Mugano from the ZimTrade Board.
ZimTrade is a joint venture between the Government of Zimbabwe and the private sector to promote Zimbabwean exports.
In a letter addressed to Mugano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, James Manzou said the termination of Mugano’s membership from the ZimTrade Board is with immediate effect. He said:
<blockquote>
I wish to inform you that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has terminated your membership from the ZimTrade Board in terms of Article 10 of the Constitution of ZimTrade as read with Section 16 of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]. The termination is with immediate effect.
I wish to thank you for the services rendered to the Board and the Ministry and to wish you well in your future endeavours.
</blockquote>
Section 16 of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31] provides for the appointment and removal of board members of public entities.
The section outlines the grounds for the removal of board members, which include misconduct or incompetence, failure to attend board meetings without reasonable cause, conflict of interest, and conviction of a criminal offence, among others.
Over the past few months, Mugano has been critical of the Government’s economic policies.
In the run-up to the 2023 Harmonised Elections, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba accused Mugano of having written the CCC’s manifesto, allegations that he swiftly rejected.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Economist Gift Mugano Fired From ZimTrade Board

The Trade Development and Promotion Organization of Zimbabwe, ZimTrade, has commended Stanbic Zimbabwe for its role in supporting trade relations between Zimbabwe and China.
ZimTrade CEO, Allan Majuru, praised Stanbic Bank for its contribution to the success of the recent three-day Zimbabwe-China Business Forum held in Beijing. Mr. Majuru attributed the success of the Forum to Stanbic Bank’s broad network in China, anchored by its partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) through its parent company, Standard Bank Group.
He added that Stanbic Bank’s intervention helped create linkages between participating Zimbabwean companies and potential partners in China. The Forum was attended by Chinese companies that produce goods and services of particular interest to Zimbabwe, including industrial machinery, technology, mining, and chemicals.
About 25 companies and government departments from Zimbabwe participated in the Forum and had Business to Business meetings with 250 Chinese businesses.
Stanbic Bank’s Head of Trade and Africa Banking, Mr. Tapuwa Nyika, stated that the Africa China Trade Solution (ACTS) has further strengthened the bank’s network in China. The facility, launched to build a trusted trading bridge between Zimbabwe and China, provides tailor-made solutions to Stanbic Bank’s clients and is being undertaken in partnership with Zhejiang International Trading Supply Chain Co. Ltd. Mr. Nyika believes ACTS has lessened the burden of doing business in China by providing access to a wide range of suppliers and overcoming language barriers.
China is a significant trading partner for Zimbabwe, and the two countries mainly trade in commodities such as minerals, tobacco, and agricultural produce. According to International Trade Centre data, Zimbabwe’s exports to China increased from $59 million in 2010 to $223 million in 2020, while imports from China rose from $336 million to $1.3 billion over the same period. However, trade was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZimTrade Commends Stanbic Zimbabwe For Supporting Zimbabwe-China Trade Relations

ZimTrade has warned members of the public of fake social media accounts created by scammers impersonating its officials.
In a statement, ZimTrade said it has nothing to do with individuals masquerading as an investment firm, encouraging businesses and individuals to join a WhatsApp group. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion agency of Zimbabwe, has noted with concern the fake social media groups and communities, some using the name “ZimTrade Investments”, as well as the ZimTrade name and logo.
These groups are being managed, and their content is being circulated by persons using the following numbers: –
(+234 803 236 9061),(+27 81 445 8706), (+44 7418 362595), (+1 (573) 518-5091)
These individuals are impersonating as ZimTrade Officials and masquerading as an investment firm, encouraging businesses and individuals to join a bogus WhatsApp group and follow an unreliable link to join the fake investment firm.
As ZimTrade we would like to advise our stakeholders and the business community that we are not in any way associated with these groups and any content generated by these individuals.
As such, we encourage you to ignore their messages as there is a high risk that these are conmen, likely to dupe people of their hard-earned money.
We are working with authorities to establish the identities behind these bogus individuals, and we strongly advise you to report any direct contact to the official numbers provided below.
ZimTrade continues to support its stakeholders in its mandate to energize Zimbabwe’s export growth.
NB:- Please take note of the following OFFICIAL ZimTrade communication channels and numbers below:
Head Office:
188 Sam Nujoma Street
Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 24 2369330-43
Southern Region Office 
48 Josiah Tongogara Street,
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe |
Tel +263 (29) 266151/62378
Eastern Region Office: 
Suite 6 Manica Centre 
118 Hebert Chitepo,
Mutare, Zimbabwe
Tel +263 2020 62843/46
Twitter: ZimTradeAlerts
WhatsApp: +263 78 866 5599
Facebook: Zim Trade Zimbabwe
Email: info@zimtrade.co.zw 
Website: www.tradezimbabwe.com
</blockquote>

ZimTrade Latest News

Latest Jobs