National Trade Policy Document 2012 - tralac – trade law centre

FOREWORD
Over the last decade and half, Zimbabwe’s trade
policy was guided by various trade-related laws and
regulations administered by different Ministries, as
well as bilateral, regional and multilateral trading
arrangements that the country is signatory to. The
role of trade in economic growth and development in
the face of globalisation needs no emphasis. It is in
this context that this comprehensive National Trade
Prof. Welshman Ncube (M.P.)
Minister of Industry
and Commerce
Policy was developed to ensure the effective and meaningful participation of
Zimbabwe in the global market.
With the development of the Industrial Development Policy (2012 – 2016), it has
become increasingly important to spell out how trade policy will complement
and leverage Zimbabwe’s industrial development, as well as support the broad
based economic growth objectives of the Medium Term Plan. The National
Trade Policy specifies measures and strategies that will enable trade to be
the engine for sustainable economic growth and development.
The policy sets out the key principles and strategies to drive the economy
towards export-orientation and international competitiveness, in order to
transform Zimbabwe from being an exporter of primary commodities to an
exporter of value added high quality processed goods and services. The
policy will be implemented through strategic trade policy instruments, based
on regional and multilateral trading arrangements, supported by an export
development and promotion package.
Further, the policy seeks to diversify the country’s exports, expand and explore
new markets, as well as promote the consumption of locally produced goods
and services. Human skills and institutional capacity development in both the
public and private sectors is also an important guiding principle for the effective
and efficient implementation of the National Trade Policy.
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