ZimTrade is currently conducting a market survey in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to identify trade and investment opportunities for Zimbabwean products and services.
The survey will also provide Zimbabwean companies with verified information on potential business counterparts, distribution channels, payment systems and customs procedures amongst others.
The DRC has vast resources, with 80 million hectares of arable land and over 1,100 identified minerals and precious stones. The country has the potential to become one of the largest economies on the African continent and a driver of African growth.
According to Trade Map, in 2015, the import bill of the DRC was US$4.9 billion, with only US$3.7 million (0.08%) coming from Zimbabwe. The economy is anticipated to continue growing at an estimated rate of 8%, owing to increased investment and growth mainly in the extractive industries. This presents potential for Zimbabwe to increase its export market share.
Lubumbashi, the second largest city in the DRC, serves as a key commercial and national industrial centre, as well as the mining capital of the DRC. The proximity of Lubumbashi to Zimbabwe, makes it easier and cheaper for local businesses to export goods and transport them either via air or road.
The survey findings will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders through seminars that will be held in Harare and Bulawayo.
Publish Date: Tuesday 11 October 2016
