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Business Reporter
The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development is in a drive to strengthen the SME sector’s participation in the economy by linking it to large companies, Permanent Secretary Mrs Evelyn Ndlovu said.
“Government through the ministry of SMEs is working with small businesses especially the marginalised sectors of the society to try and strengthen the sector’s participation towards a brighter Zimbabwe.

“We are targeting sectors that big businesses think do not exist and look down upon.

“We are trying to link corporates to SMEs and I am glad some big companies have already come on board,” she said.

This was stated at the official launch of the 2014 SMEs International Expo theme launch at the Harare international Conference Centre.

The Business Connect is hosting the SMEs International Expo which will be held in October this year in Harare.

The expo will run under the theme ‘harnessing technology and innovation to boost SMEs trade potential’.

Speaking at the same event the Indonesian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Eddy Poerwana said SMEs need to adopt technology in order to grow and evolve.

“For SMEs to achieve their potential, adequate support mechanisms should be put in place particularly their exposure to ICTs in their day to day operations.

SMEs have become breeding grounds for innovation and some of the world’s foremost businesses have evolved from small enterprises to burgeoning multinationals,” he said.

The SME sector in Indonesia contributes close to 60 percent of gross domestic product and 14 to 15 percent of exports originate from that sector.

Chief Executive of the SMEs International Expo Mrs Blessing Magenga said opportunities like the Expo offer marketing and networking opportunities to SMEs.

“Marketing pedestals such as the SMEs International Expo continue to provide impetus for growth as they not only provide a potential customer base for various products and services to the local market, this platform also gives much needed exposure to both regional and international markets,” she said.

A business conference will also run concurrently with the expo. The conference is an opportunity for dialogue on issues that affect the SME.