November 2, 2004

Zimbabwe's Cold Storage Commission to Resume EU Beef Exports

Zimbabwe's Cold Storage Commission (CSC) is expected to resume beef exports to the European Union (EU) and other international markets next year. This move follows the completion of a vaccination programme in areas affected by foot and mouth.

A top official from the commission said discussions were being undertaken to this effect with relevant authorities.

"We are going to call the Union for approval of areas where vaccination was completed. And if we meet their requirements we may start exporting to EU and other international markets," he said.

Beef exports to EU were banned in 2000 after a major outbreak of foot and mouth disease, which adversely affected the national herd, was detected

"This is in line with the Government's efforts to revive the industry since it has the potential to generate the much-needed foreign currency," the official added.

Before the outbreak of the disease, compounded by successive droughts, the commission had an annual beef quota of 9,100 tons to the EU, generating more than $500 billion.

CSC, which was also eyeing a contract to export US$15 million worth of beef to Malaysia, was currently exporting to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa and Mozambique.

The commission also intended to tap into the Asian and Middle East markets.

It was actively considering exporting value-added beef products to expand its foreign markets.