Zimbabwean companies to partake in this year's Source Africa, the largest trade exhibition for the African Textile, Clothing and Footwear and fashion accessory industries. ZimTrade will be facilitating the participation of companies in the fair to take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 7-9 June 2016.

The participation is aimed at exposing local clothing, textile and leather products to regional and international buyers as well as to generate export orders. The event brings together suppliers, buyers, manufacturers and service providers in one major integrated event.

Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers' Association (ZCMA) Chairman, Mr Jeremy Youmans said that the Source Africa attracts international buyers from Europe, USA and Asia as well as the region.

Their participation at this event is to show the world that they still have the capacity to produce quality textile and clothing products that can compete on the global market.

Zimbabwean clothing articles enjoy preferential treatment into South Africa under the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Companies wishing to utilise this Agreement should apply directly to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Alternatively, they can send their applications through the ZCMA.

Global imports of clothing and textile products grew from $895 billion in 2012 to 987 billion in 2014.

Zimbabwe's exports of clothing to South Africa have been on an upward trend, having increased by 45,8 percent from 2012 to 2014.