TRADE between Zimbabwe and Poland has increased, with exports to that country hitting almost US$1 million in 2023 up from under US$100 000 the previous year.
This emerged during a Zimbabwe-Poland Chamber of Commerce Business Forum held in the capital last week.
The forum followed a visit by a Polish delegation to the country.
Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Albert Chimbindi, represented by director of international trade Kindon Gandanga, highlighted the country’s improving trade figures with Poland.
“Trade between Zimbabwe and Poland is beginning to show signs of recovery despite the imposition of illegal sanctions by the European Union,” Chimbindi said.
“In 2023, Zimbabwe’s exports to Poland rose to US$938 000 from US$82 000 in 2022. Imports from Poland, including agricultural machinery and construction equipment, grew from US$37,5 million to nearly US$49 million.”
He said Zimbabwe exported raw materials such as tobacco, granite and citrus fruits, while importing tractors, agricultural tools and wheat from the European country.
“There is ample scope to diversify this trade mix and improve the balance of trade, which currently favours Poland,” he added.
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A member of the Polish business delegation Malgorzata Bonikowska said there was a huge scope for further accelerating business ties with Poland.
Polish Chamber of Commerce vice-chairperson Andrzej Szumowski said his country’s competitive advantage lay in its technological capabilities.
“We are interested in exploring sectoral partnerships or alliances in agriculture, irrigation, construction and infrastructural development, among others,” he said.
“Our strong base and technological edge present a compelling opportunity for Zimbabwean firms seeking to scale operations and access international markets.”
Poland’s envoy based in Pretoria, ambassador Jacek Chodorowicz, also said there was ample scope to diversify the trade mix and improve the level of economic co-operation.
“This forum provides an opportunity or platform to facilitate direct dialogue and networking between Zimbabwean businesses and companies, fostering trust and confidence as evidenced by the impressive attendance of companies from across Poland and Zimbabwe,” the ambassador said.
