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.
Last year, Sweden imported about $1,9 billion worth of fresh produce and processed foods worth $5,5 billion from around the world.
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.
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.
