Published: 02 November 2013

The mining sector has maintained its position as Zimbabwe's main export earner after raking $1,3 billion in the past eight months.

Official data released shows that despite the limited inflows from Zimbabwe's export sector, the mining industry has accounted for 65 percent of the overall trade receipts with platinum, gold and diamonds dominating.

The agriculture sector was in second position contributing 15,2 percent on the back of a rise in tobacco output.

Other key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, tourism, and services contributed an average of five percent in export receipts between January and September this year.

Chairman of the Business Council of Southern Africa, Mr Oswell Binha, says the recovery of Zimbabwe's export industry will depend on the injection of fresh capital to manufacturing companies.

"What we now need is just to explore fresh opportunities to restore export confidence," said Mr Binha.

Zimbabwe's trade deficit which is hovering at US$3 billion has emerged as a major cause for concern among stakeholders as companies struggle to recapitalise operations.
- zbc

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