ZIMBABWEAN companies are presenting their products and services at the ongoing Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka, where buyers have commended the quality of the commodities on display.

The country’s trade promotion institution, ZimTrade, has facilitated over 25 firms to take part at the 97th Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show, (ZACS).

ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Majuru, says the key thrust is on increasing the local industry’s market share in Zambia.

“The first days of the fair have seen encouraging levels of engagement, with a notable rise in the number of buyers expressing interest in Zimbabwean products.

“We are riding on the successes of the previous year to further boost engagement between our exhibitors and potential buyers. This year’s exhibition has reinforced the growing perception that Zimbabwe produces top-quality goods, and the response from the buyers has generally been positive as well,” he said.

Zimbabwean exhibitors are confident of further strengthening engagements with Zambia, riding on increased demand for goods.

“There is a positive perception about the quality of goods on offer, an indication of interest to further bolster trade given the rise in demand for locally produced goods, and what the market needs is just that platform to further maximise on current strides in terms of capacity utilization,” Kokota Spread Chief Executive Officer, Ms Cathrine Mafuku noted.

“It is a real testimony that the Zimbabwean industry has what it takes to scale up production, given the need to diversify markets and ramp up production. Such a platform like this one is a noble idea, as it also enables us to understand the market dynamics in Zambia, with the overall idea being on increased markets,” Acsend Concrete Operations Manager, Mr Walter Benesi added.

The annual exhibition has attracted the interest of Zimbabwean firms in the past few years as it provides an opportunity for expanding into regional markets.