HARARE, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- A total of 17 Zimbabwean companies will showcase their products at this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, ZimTrade, the country's national trade development and export promotion organization, said Saturday.
ZimTrade will lead the delegation comprising businesses from horticulture, manufacturing, handicrafts, leather, construction, tourism, and e-commerce at the ninth edition of the international trade exhibition to seek new buyers, establish business partnerships, and explore opportunities from China's growing demand for imported products, the organization said in its October 2026 newsletter.
The exhibition comes as Zimbabwean exporters seek to capitalize on China's expanded zero-tariff arrangements starting from May 1, which have enabled local businesses to competitively introduce a wider range of products into the Asian market.
"The exhibition is expected to support Zimbabwe's broader efforts to diversify its export basket, strengthen its presence in China and translate growing bilateral economic relations into sustainable business opportunities for local enterprises," ZimTrade said.
It added that Zimbabwe's participation builds on strong bilateral relations with China, which has emerged as one of the top three destinations for Zimbabwean exports. Bilateral trade between the two countries surged to 5.01 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months of 2026, up 51.6 percent year-on-year, according to the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe.
While minerals and tobacco continue to dominate Zimbabwe's exports to China, attention is increasingly shifting toward processed agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other value-added exports.
The expanded zero-tariff arrangements are expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Zimbabwean products, particularly processed foods, branded agricultural products, finished leather, and arts and crafts.
Horticulture is among the sectors showing significant potential, with macadamia nuts, citrus, avocado, and blueberries having secured market access pathways to China.
"The successful entry of Zimbabwean blueberries into the Chinese market this year has demonstrated the commercial opportunities that can emerge when improved market access is complemented by export readiness and targeted market development," ZimTrade said, adding that the country's first shipment marks an important step in diversifying agricultural exports into high-value international markets.
Beyond agriculture, Zimbabwe's creative industries, particularly its iconic stone sculptures and handicrafts, also present strong potential to attract Chinese buyers seeking authentic African products.
ZimTrade commended China's efforts in strengthening commercial linkages with African countries through platforms such as the CIIE, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and cross-border e-commerce channels.
"These initiatives provide opportunities for African businesses to engage directly with buyers, understand market requirements and establish distribution networks, complementing the benefits of preferential tariff arrangements," ZimTrade added. ■
