Ngonidzashe Chiutsi

Business Correspondent

AT LEAST 15 companies have confirmed their participation in the Export Marketing Training Programme training workshop organised by ZimTrade that will be held on Tuesday in Bulawayo, an official has said.

In an interview ZimTrade regional manager Mr Similo Nkala said the workshop was aimed at training the local business to venture into the lucrative export markets which are vital in increasing the inflow of foreign currency.

“At least 15 to 20 companies are set to participate in the first workshop scheduled for 7 August,” said Mr Nkala.

The second workshop is expected to be held on 6 September.

Mr Nkala said they were targeting Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and established companies that would want to venture into the export market and those who are exporting and want to increase their market share.

“For the established companies the training is aimed at rebuilding their export skills base which has dwindled as a result of staff resignations over the past few years,” said Mr Nkala.

He said in line with the National Trade Policy (2012-2016), ZimTrade was continuing with the Export Marketing Training Programme so as to inculcate an export culture within the SMEs in Zimbabwe.

“The training is not only beneficial to exporters but also to local trade entrepreneurs as it emphasises the need for one to first conduct a market research  before going into any business and to understand the different cultures, economic environments, and politics in each target market as this will affect the success of their business,” said Mr Nkala.

“EMTP equips participants with knowledge on how to come up with promotional strategies for their target market and be able to adapt or standardise their product for the local and export markets. The issue of good housekeeping techniques and the need to develop checklists on all the aspects of a business in order to monitor quality and cost effectiveness will also be covered,” Mr Nkala said.

He said Zimra officials would be on hand to clarify export documentation procedures and requirements.

“The issue of registering under the bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements such as Sadc and Comesa will be explained in detail during the training workshops so that manufacturers and exporters understand the benefits of the agreements such as duty exemption in the destination countries,” said the regional manager.

Mr Nkala said at the end of the training participants are expected to come up with business plans which guide them in the day-to-day running of their businesses.