HARARE, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, a major commercial bank in Zimbabwe, is committed to helping Zimbabwean companies tap into the vast Chinese market, a senior manager has said.
During a recent interview with Xinhua, Tapuwa Nyika, head of trade and Africa-China Banking at Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, said that as trade between China and Zimbabwe increases, more and more Zimbabwean companies have sensed the opportunities to explore the lucrative Chinese market.
"At Stanbic, we have certain partnerships with Chinese companies, where we are able to help Zimbabwean companies looking to access the Chinese market," said Nyika.
The bank, through its Chinese partners, has helped local exporters ensure that their products are export-ready, he said. "We also assist Zimbabwean companies that are looking to buy raw materials for production, and also to buy machinery from China so that they upgrade their efficiency and make sure that their businesses are cost-efficient."
He said trade between China and Zimbabwe is expected to gain momentum as more Zimbabwean products enter the Chinese market, particularly with the signing of a blueberry export protocol between China and Zimbabwe in September.
"We are very optimistic about the Chinese market, and local companies are also looking forward to exporting. There is a lot of opportunity for growth for Africa and China," said Nyika.
According to Nyika, the bank launched an e-book last year to guide local businesses on how to explore new sourcing opportunities, streamline their import processes, enhance competitiveness, and expand their businesses through trade with China. ■
