Zimbabwean firms should boost business linkages with Mauritian firms to increase their exports to that country, an official has said. Increasing Zimbabwe’s exports to Mauritius will also help in shrinking the trade deficit as trade statistics between the two countries show that Mauritius’ exports to Zimbabwe have been increasing steadily over the last five years, almost doubling between 2013 and 2014.
Figures provided by Enterprise Mauritius show that the annual total of Mauritius’ exports to Zimbabwe in 2010 stood at 35 533 167 Mauritian Rupee ($1 million), rising to MUR41 445 641 ($1,18 million) in 2011, and further to MUR43 911 028 ($1,25 million) in 2012.
In 2013 that figure jumped to MUR58 759 348 ($1,67 million), rising 43 percent to MUR84 048 605 ($2,39 million) last year.
The statistics also show that Mauritius’s export growth to Zimbabwe, particularly last year, was driven by increased exports of products including animal feed, Kidswear, Polo-shirts and processed foods.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency (ZimStats), Zimbabwe’s main export destinations include South Africa, Mozambique, the United Arab Emirates, Zambia, Belgium, France, Botswana, China, the United Kingdom, and Namibia.
All other countries — presumably including Mauritius — are listed as other countries, reflecting low exports to those countries.
Data from the International Trade Centre show that Zimbabwe’s exports to Mauritius plunged from $4,8 million in 2011 to $28 000 in 2013.
Enterprise Mauritius business development officer Mr Rajen Subbamah said Zimbabwean firms should use the upcoming Zim-Mauritius Buyers and Sellers Symposium to develop business partnerships that will see them extending their presence in the Mauritian market.
Enterprise Mauritius is that country’s Export Promotion Board.
“But we will also be helping Zimbabwean small and medium enterprises who want to export their products into Mauritius. The event will also offer an opportunity to facilitate joint ventures between companies of the two countries,” said Mr Subbamah.
Enterprise Mauritius will next week lead a 22 member Mauritian business delegation for the 5th edition of the Zimbabwe-Mauritius Buyers and Sellers Symposium set for Harare.
The two-day event, which will be held on May 18 and 19.
Following last year’s symposium, Mauritian firms concluded business contracts worth $2,4 million with Zimbabwean firms in the textile and clothing, and in the chemicals sector.
Mauritius has a thriving manufacturing sector with sugar and textiles being its major exports. The country imports many agricultural products including beef and cotton from Zimbabwe. But trade between the two countries is still very low. — BH24.