ZIMTRADE is facilitating local companies' participation at a Zimbabwean Companies Exhibition to be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Zimbabwe Solo Exhibition is a three-day event that has been scheduled for October 26 to 28 in Lubumbashi.

According to a Zimtrade representative, local firms' participation in this event will help them obtain new markets and increase their presence in the resources-rich country.

"Participation in this solo exhibition will provide an opportunity to showcase the following products to potential DRC buyers and investors; mining machinery and equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, boilers, hardware, building and construction materials, processed foods including wines, packaging materials, agriculture equipment and related services such as banking and freight forwarding," she said.

Trade between Zimbabwe and DRC is governed by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) Free Trade Areas, and the bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.

Last year, Zimbabwe's exports to DRC amounted to US$19 million while imports were worth US$445 000, reflecting a positive trade balance of US$18,5 million in favour of Zimbabwe.

Coke and semi-coke of coal, tobacco, rotary converters, sugar confectionery, petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous, yarn and eggs were some of Zimbabwe's exports to DRC during that period.

"The solo exhibition will therefore present an opportunity to increase market share in DRC and further enhance bilateral trade," she added.

DRC's population according to last year's estimates stood at approximately 71 million and Lubumbashi is the second largest city, situated in the Katanga Province with a population of 1,2 million.

Lubumbashi is a mining city that offers opportunities for both industrial and commercial products. It is accessed by a road network through Zambia with an approximate total distance of 1 033 kilometres from Harare through Kasumbalesa Border Post.

The Katanga Province has attracted the region's attention as evidenced by the number of solo exhibitions held this year by Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Egypt in the area.