HARARE, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's horticultural sector is set to get a boost as the country showcases its horticultural produce at Fruit Logistica currently underway in Germany.
Fruit Logistica is an international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry which provides a platform for fruit and vegetables exporters, buyers and handling experts from across the globe to showcase their products.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Mujuru said Thursday that the exhibition will provide a huge opportunity to local firms seeking a broader market base in foreign countries.
"We have facilitated the participation of local companies because we believe this is where they get to meet potential buyers and share as much detail and knowledge about their products," he said.
Participating companies will have an opportunity to interact with potential buyers and distributors from China, Japan and other Middle Eastern countries.
Ten Zimbabwean horticultural companies are participating at this year's edition of Fruit Logistica.
Traditionally, Zimbabwe has exported horticultural products such as flowers and citrus fruits, with the leading market being the European Union (EU).
However, exports to EU declined at the turn of the millennium when relations with the West turned sour following Zimbabwe's land reform program.
The government has made the revival of the horticulture sector a priority, as agriculture forms the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy, contributing 17 percent of the country's gross domestic product.
