HARARE: Zimbabwe can export fresh produce, nuts, textiles and garments to Sweden as there is demand for these products in the Scandinavian country, a one-stop information centre for exporters based in developing countries has said.
The Swedish embassy introduced the country’s trade promotion body, ZimTrade, to a non-governmental organisation, Open Trade Gate Sweden, which is set to facilitate trade and increase exports from Zimbabwe to the Scandinavian country.
Speaking at the How to Export to Sweden Seminar in Harare yesterday, Open Trade Gate Sweden trade policy advisor Ana Christiansson said Zimbabwean exporters should explore opportunities in fresh produce, nuts, textiles and garments.
“I think that there is potential and we have also discussed these sectors even from the Swedish side. Those sectors were chosen by ZimTrade because when we discuss a seminar like this, we want to know what other sectors that a specific country wants to focus on,” Christiansson said.
“Sweden, being a country that imports very much, with these type of products, there is always an opportunity for the country as we are already importing.”
Last year, Sweden imported about $1,9 billion worth of fresh produce and processed foods worth $5,5 billion from around the world. It also imported $4,9 billion of clothing and textiles.
A study on spending in Sweden showed consumers spent 27% of earnings on housing, electricity, gas and heating, 12% on foodstuffs and non-alcoholic beverages, and 5% on clothes and shoes Vuyiswa Mafu, ZimTrade trade development and export production manager, said there was huge potential from the Swedish market that Zimbabwean companies could take advantage of.
“As our mandate is to develop and promote trade, it was seen appropriate that, together, we host a seminar that would raise awareness of the potential that exists in the Swedish market and how Zimbabwean companies can take advantage of that potential,” Mafu said. Zimbabwe exports to Sweden were worth $1,3 million in 2013. Imports from Sweden were $11 million last year.
A study of the Swedish external trading with Zimbabwe conducted by ZimTrade showed that the main goods being imported from the Scandinavian country were machinery, electrical and electronic equipment. “It is our hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership,” Mafu said.
