Staff Writer
HARARE — The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is engaging the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC) to strengthen strategic cooperation aimed at expanding international markets for Zimbabwean tobacco and improving the competitiveness of the country’s tobacco industry.
The engagement involves TIMB Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Matsvaire and Head of Business Development Tapiwa Chimedza, who are meeting DMCC officials on the sidelines of the World Tobacco Middle East in Dubai.
According to TIMB, the discussions are centred on strengthening market linkages between Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector and international buyers, improving price discovery through market intelligence and attracting investment into local tobacco processing and value addition.
“These discussions are focused on connecting Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector with more international buyers, using market intelligence to make price discovery more transparent and attracting investment in local processing and value addition,” TIMB said.
The board said it was also exploring opportunities for technical cooperation with DMCC, particularly in sharing expertise and technology in commodity exchange operations and market regulation.
“TIMB is also exploring opportunities to share expertise and technology in commodity exchange operations and market regulation as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s tobacco marketing systems,” the organisation said.
TIMB said the engagement was expected to result in agreed joint priorities and a framework for continued cooperation, supported by measurable targets.
“This meeting is about agreeing on joint priorities and developing a framework for our continued cooperation with measurable targets,” TIMB said.
The board said the proposed partnership was intended to promote greater transparency and competition in Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing system while creating opportunities for farmers to obtain better returns.
“The goal is a more transparent and competitive market that delivers better value for Zimbabwe’s 160,000-plus tobacco-growing households,” TIMB said.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry remains an important contributor to agricultural exports and rural livelihoods, with more than 160,000 households involved in tobacco production.
The engagement comes as the country continues to pursue strategies to expand international market access, attract investment into agricultural value addition and strengthen the contribution of tobacco to economic growth.