The head of European Union delegation to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Philippe Van Damme has said Europe remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest export markets.
Speaking at the launch of Strengthening National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) Institution Framework in Zimbabwe project, Ambassador Van Damme said despite the strained relationship between EU and Zimbabwe, the two continue to work closely leading to Zimbabwe exporting products worth EUR 400 Million.
“The EU is a huge market for Zimbabwe and presents a great opportunity especially in the exportation of agricultural products.
“As we speak, Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports to the EU are on the rise hence the project comes at an opportune time. Last year, Zimbabwe exported goods worth EUR 400 Million to the European Union,” said Van Damme.
Ambassador Van Damme revealed that tobacco contributed 25% of the total exports.
“Sugarcane has also emerged as a leading export commodity to Europe since 2012 with exports having gobbled between EUR 50 and EUR 100 Million in revenue while hides and leather products have doubled to EUR 30 million,” added the head of the European Delegation to Zimbabwe.
He also revealed that there have been exports of citrus products mainly oranges which increased spectacularly to exceed EUR 20 Million while the exports of peas jumped to EUR 17million.
“All this proves that meeting the European SPS is possible and that Zimbabwe can internationally be competitive,” he said adding that to reach thae level of international competitiveness Zimbabwe need security of land tenure , investment in modern technology and professionalism.
“So far, unfortunately, not enough producers can meet these conditions, but exporting to the European markets is possible , profitable and offers huge potentials. It’s up to Zimbabwe now to find ways to unlock this potential,” said Ambassador Van Damme.
The SPS aims to enhance knowledge of technical and Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards and their monitoring including upgrading laboratories at the national level ensuring consistency with regional and continental policies.
Among other things, the program aims to set up a laboratory of the veterinary services which will be responsible for testing toxicology and microbiology parameters for products of animal origin.
