Zimbabwe November 2006 |
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| Cross-border traders to open training centre, (Chronicle, 2006-11-17):-Crossborder traders are planning to open a mushroom training institute in Bulawayo to help its members produce the lucrative commodity for export. This came out at a strategic planning workshop in the city last week by the Cross Border Traders Forum (CBTF). “The forum has to secure a place in Bulawayo from where the forum shall operate a mushroom production training centre to be known as The Mushroom Institute,” the coordinator of the forum, Mr Phillip Marufu said. He said the institute would provide training to members as well as the public at a fee and would also produce mushrooms. He said this would assist the members to become highly qualified and be able to run their own projects. The institute shall among other things offer employment to some of the members and provide a constant supply of mushrooms to hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Meanwhile, Mr Marufu said the forum also plans to build a market place for the cross borders, which would also have accommodation facilities. “Crossborder traders have suffered immensely from the failure to acquire affordable booking places and market stall to sell their wares while in foreign lands. This has led to a situation where traders sleep on pavements and ranks, exposing themselves to thieves. Therefore the organisation thought of a plan to secure a stand, big enough to build a market place. “This would help cross boarder traders to work safely. It would be a facility not for locals, but for all Africans coming to Zimbabwe on business. Locals holding meetings and workshops will benefit from the facility,” he said. Crossborder traders also plan to hold a Mini Trade Fair, which should be held before yearend. “The fair is expected to be massive and it will be open for all crossborder traders from all the corners of the country. This project will act as exhibit to the government and all its departments to prove that cross border traders are part of this economy and that they also require funding,” said Mr Marufu. As part of its activities, the forum plans to lead delegations to scout for foreign markets. “In 2007 we plan to have a trip to one of the lucrative eastern destinations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Dubai,” Mr Marufu said. | |
South African Migration Project (SAMP) - Queen's University - http://www.queensu.ca/samp |