On the sidelines of the official opening ceremony, MSSTA chief executive officer, Thomas Chikomo, told ***The Zimbabwean that the move was part of its broader regional trade promotion strategy. He said the retail shop would primarily cater for small exporters in Manicaland province and other provinces as well unable to explore export markets. Mozambique is a traditional market for Zimbabwe and most of our products are used here. The shop will be used as conduit through which Zimbabwean products can be marketed, he said.
We are also looking forward to establishing similar shops in South Africa where we are anticipating the World Cup. We will be looking to our traders to sell their various wares like traditional regalia and sculptures, said Chikomo. According to Chikomo, some Zimbabwean companies have registered to take part in the Mozambique Trade Show later this year, a major business trade fair in the country. This has gone a long way towards consolidating our market. Exhibitors at the show have over the years included companies from Southern Africa, Sweden, Holland, Norway, Egypt, England, Pakistan, India, China, France and Germany.