Ten Zambian firms to be picked to promote trade with South Africa

The Export Board of Zambia (EBZ) will soon undertake a rigorous selection of at least 10 local export companies to shoulder a trade promotion mission in South Africa, Sunday Times of Zambia reported on Sunday.

The local newspaper quoted EBZ executive director Glyne Michelo as saying that the companies will be selected next month. Those engaged in cut flowers and essential oils will be included as the EBZ conducted an intensive study in South Africa.

"The study revealed that cut flowers and essential oils have great potential to break into the South African market," Michelo said. He added that Zambia's wet blue leather producers have to improve the quality of the hides if their products want to attract customers in South Africa.

South Africa is the largest market of Zambia's non-traditional exports whose earnings increased by 20.3 percent in 2005 to 581.9 million U.S. dollars.

Source: Xinhua