  
  
WT/TPR/M/398/Add.1  
1 December  2020 
(20-8659) Page: 1/114 
Trade Policy Review Body  
30 September and 2 October 2020  Original: English/anglais/inglés  
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
ZIMBABWE  
MINUTES  OF THE MEETING  
Addendum  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Harald Aspelund (Iceland)  
This document contains the advance written questions  and additional questions by WTO 
Members , and replies provided by  Zimbabwe .1 
 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
30 septembre et 2 octobre 2020  
EXAMEN DES POLITIQUES COMMERCIALES  
ZIMBABWE  
COMPTE RENDU DE LA REUNION  
Addendum  
Président : S.E.  M. Harald Aspelund (Islande)  
Le présent document contient les questions écrites communiquées à l'avance par les Membres 
de l'OMC, leurs questions additionnelles, et les réponses  fournies par  Zimbabwe .1 
 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
30 de septiembre y 2 de octubre de 2020  
EXAMEN DE LAS POLÍTICAS COMERCIALES  
ZIMBABWE  
ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN  
Addendum  
Presidente: Excmo.  Sr. Harald Aspelund (Islandia)  
En el presente documento figuran las preguntas presentadas anticipadamente por es crito y 
las preguntas adicionales de los Miembros de la OMC,  así como las respues tas facilitadas por  
Zimbabwe .1  
 
1 In English only./En anglais seulement./En inglés solamente.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Contents  
CANADA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM CANADA  ................................ ................................ ........  16 
CHINA ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  18 
FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM CHINA  ................................ ................................ ...........  28 
EUROPEAN UNION  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  35 
INDONESIA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  51 
THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  55 
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THAILAND  ................................ ................................ ... 57 
UNITED KINGDOM  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  66 
FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM  ................................ .................  74 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  ................................ ................................ .........................  75 
FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  ................................ ....... 95 
ICELAND (ADDITIONAL)  ................................ ................................ ..............................  113  
 
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  CANADA  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
2. TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES:  Trade Agreements and Arrangements - Regional 
and preferential agreements; COMESA  
Paragraph 2.26, page 32:  
It is noted that Zimbabwe participates in several COMESA institutions, including the Federation of 
Women in Business.  
Question 1  
What activities occur under the Federation of Women in Business?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe is in the process of reconstituting its National FEMCOM Chapter. As stated in the FEMCOM 
Charter mandates the Zimbabwean FEMCOM Chapter will be:  
• A forum for the exchange of ideas and experience among Women Entrepreneurs;  
• An instrument through which the appropriate portion of COMESA Women in 
Development Programmes shall be implemented;  
• A forum for network among women entrepreneurs and encourage women from various 
business backgrounds to participate in programme activities of the federation.  
• A forum to help women set  up or expand their existing enterprises.  
• A forum to promote sub -regional, regional and international networking among women 
and enterprises owned by women to facilitate access to resources and increased 
support.  
• An instrument for achieving women's full in tegration into trade and development 
activities.  
Question 2  
Does Zimbabwe have support programs and/or policies to encourage women -owned SMEs 
to grow domestically and/or export internationally? If so, please provide this information.  
 
Answer  
The Ministry c onducts on going capacity building workshops for women in the SME sector. Training 
provided by the Ministry includes multi stakeholder workshops which brings women business owners 
(cross border trade) in contact with their service providers e.g. ZIMRA, SAZ  and Ministry of Industry 
and Trade to capacitate SMEs on  
 
The Zimbabwe Women's Microfinance Bank has provided value chain financing to women in the 
agricultural sector amounting to $4 344 668 in 2019.  
 
Paragraph 2.30, page 32:  
It is noted that Zimbabwe was in the process of ratifying the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) 
Agreement as of November 2019.  
 
Question 3:  
How is Zimbabwe's ratification process proceeding?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe's Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement r atification process is proceeding well. The 
Public Agreements Advisory Committee (PAAC) approved the ratification of the TFTA Agreement on  
1 July 2019. The Agreement was then approved by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCL) on 
2 December 2019. On 10 December 2019, Cabinet approved ratification of the TFTA Agreement. WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  (refer to this link: https://www.bilaterals.org/?cabinet -approves -ratification -of). The Agreement is 
now underg oing the parliamentary approval processes.  
 
Question 4:  
How does Zimbabwe see its TFTA obligations interacting with implementation of its 
commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA)?  
 
Answer:  The TFTA has been used as a building block towards the establishment of the African 
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which the country has already signed and ratified. The TFTA 
Agreement aims to address challenges of multiple membership, where countr ies were implementing 
different commitments in different Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Zimbabwe is a member 
of both COMESA and SADC. Given that the agreement wa s built on the acquis principle (building on 
existing commitments), and that the Agreeme nt is also built on the principle of variable geometry; 
Zimbabwe's sees complementarities to the TFTA and AfCFTA Agreements allowing for ease of 
implementation.  
 
Further, the TFTA Agreement also seeks to improve the competitiveness of Tripartite Member Sta tes 
at enterprise, industrial and regional levels this should allow TFTA member states to fully derive 
benefits from trade opportunities that will arise within the AfCFTA.  
 
Furthermore, the AfCFTA and TFTA Agreements are different sets of agreements with d ifferent 
obligations (including different implementation periods), meaning that the private sector can either 
choose to use one of them in trading, if the agreement is favourable to them. Rules of origin might 
be similar but not identical, which give the p rivate sector the choice to benefit from one of the 
agreements. This is also happening under SADC and COMESA.  
 
Page 34 (Para 2.40)  
Foreign investment has been subdued since 2011 (Section 1.3.2), on account of the difficult socio -
political context and the numerous and frequently changing investment restrictions, as well as the 
numerous amendments to investment provisions. However, thes e restrictions have been lifted, as 
encouraging foreign investment is now a declared government priority. The Constitution guarantees, 
in principle, legal protection for all investors, irrespective of country of origin, including the right to 
private prope rty, and, generally, prohibits expropriation without compensation.  
Question 5  
What were the investment restrictions?  
 
Answer  
The major investment restriction was the implementation of the Indigenisation and Economic 
Empowerment Act, which forced foreign -owned businesses to cede at least 51% shares of their local 
operations to black Zimbabweans. In 2018, this requirement was removed, except for diamonds and 
platinum, which are strategically important to the country. The requirement on diamond and 
platinum w as removed in March 2019 through the amendment of the Finance Act of 2017.  
 
Question 6  
In what year were the restrictions lifted?  
Answer  
The major investment restriction was the implementation of the Indigenisation and Economic 
Empowerment Act, which force d foreign -owned businesses to cede at least 51% shares of their local 
operations to black Zimbabweans. In 2018, this requirement was removed, except for diamonds and 
platinum, which are strategically important to the country. In March 2019 the remaining 
indigenisation restrictions on diamond and platinum were all removed.  
Page 72 (Para 3.127)  
 
After decades of reliance on SOEs in key agricultural, industrial and services sectors, and given their 
longstanding poor performance, in 1999, the Government adopted  procedures for the privatization 
and restructuring of SOEs. The State Enterprises Restructuring Agency was established to provide 
advice to the technical committees. Two decades later, the implementation of these restructuring 
and privatization strategies  has yet to fully occur, and most of the earmarked companies remain in 
the State's portfolio.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 7  
Given that Zimbabwe has not yet implemented the procedures adopted for the 
privatization and restructuring of SOEs, and that the latest report from Zimbabwe's Office 
of the Auditor General shows worsening SOE losses, what are Zimbabwe's plans on these 
issues?  
 
Answer  
In 2018, the second Republic of Zimbabwe approved a State Enterprises Reform Framework which 
identified 43 State Enterprises and Parastatals for reforms. The identified state owned enterprises 
(SOEs) identified for reforms were categorised spe cific reform strategies which are privatisation, 
merging, unbundling, departmentalisation and performance reviews.  
 
The shares of SOEs identified for privatisation will be offered to foreign and/or domestic investors, 
in which, the ultimate investor will be selected through a competitive bidding process. Competitive 
bidding process grants equal opportunities to both domestic and foreign investors to invest in SOEs.  
 
Technical Committees which comprise of Government departments chaired by responsible line 
ministries leads the implementation of privatisation of SOEs. The Technical Committees are advised 
by Independent Transactional Advisors selected through competitive bidding procedures in line with 
the Public Procurement Legislation. The engagement of Trans actional Advisors shows Government 's 
commitment in professionalising the privatisation process.  
 
The privatisation will increase private sector investment/participation in all sectors in which SOEs 
are present. The SOEs identified for privatisation are in  the following sectors:  
 
Telecommunications & Postal Services Sector  
• Tel-One (Private) Limited  
• Net-One(Private) Limited  
• ZIMPOST (Private) Limited  
Financial Services Sector  
• Agribank (Private) Limited  
• People 's Own Savings Bank(POSB)  
• Infrastructure Devel opment Bank Of Zimbabwe (IDBZ)  
Transport sector  
• Zimbabwe Passengers Company (Private) Limited (ZUPCO)  
Mining sector  
• Subsidiaries of Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation  
Manufacturing sector  
• Subsidiaries of Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ)  
Forestry and Timber Sector  
• Allied Timbers (Private) Limited  
Energy and Fuel Sector  
• Petrotrade (Private) Limited  
 
Question 8  
Will Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 include objectives regarding SOEs, such as implementing 
better reportin g procedures or ensuring accountability?  
 
Answer  
Vision 2030 objectives on State Owned Enterprises is as follows;  
• Restructuring of individual State Owned Enterprises will be pursued with some 
parameters set out for each entity that is through:  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  • Liquidation, full privatization, transformation from player to regulator, restructuring and 
establishing strategic partnerships, merging and demerging; and departmentalization 
into existing Ministries.  
The Issues of ensuring better reporting and ensuring accountability are at the core of that will be 
done within these entities.  
 
3. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
Section 3.3.6 – GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT  
Para 3.128, Page 73  
Zimbabwe is neither a party nor an observer to the WTO Plurilateral Agreement on Government 
Procurement. Considering a WTO national training workshop on accession to the Agreement, 
particularly in the light of the recent reforms described below, could constitute an opportunity for 
the authorities to consider o btaining observer status in the WTO Agreement on Government 
Procurement. This, in turn, would increase transparency in government procurement processes, 
including those funded through foreign aid, reduce opportunities for corruption, and lay the 
foundation s for genuine competition among suppliers, national or foreign.  
 
Question 9  
Would Zimbabwe consider obtaining observer status in the WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement, and eventually applying for accession?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe is not yet ready because i t's a Plurilateral Agreement. All procurement activities 
undertaken in a transparency manner be it that they are undertaken locally or internationally. It is 
important to point out that transparency is maintained in all procurement processes undertaken in 
the country.  
 
Para 3.132, Page 74  
The new procurement law established the Special Procurement Oversight Committee (SPOC) to 
review procurement contracts that the Government deems sensitive or especially valuable. Above a 
certain threshold, the SPOC review s contracts before award, and may oblige the procurement 
process to be recommenced. For other purchases, procuring entities procure on their own, within 
thresholds (Table 3.18). Procuring entities are grouped in three classes, A, B, and C. The class a 
procuring entity belongs to is determined on a case -by-case basis by the PRAZ, based on published 
guidelines. There were 293 procuring entities in 2018, at central and subcentral level (including 
SEPs).  
 
Question 10  
Why, and under what circumstances, would the  SPOC require a procurement process to 
be recommenced?  
 
Answer  
In line with Section 54 [10C (ii)] of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, the 
SPOC may require a procurement processes to be recommenced if the process is defective and not 
meeting the objectives of the PPDPA Act and the Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19], that is; 
if the procurement process  
a. Is not effected in a manner that is transparent, fair, honest, cost -effective and 
competitive;  
b. Does not promote competition among bidders;  
c. Does not provide for the fair and equitable treatment of all bidders, leading to 
procurement contracts that represent good value for money;  
d. Does not promote the integrity  of, and  fairness  and public confidence in, procurement 
processes;  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  e. Does not secure the implementation of any environmental, social, economic and other 
policy that is authorised or required by any law to be taken into account by a procuring 
entity in procurement proceedings.  
Question 11  
Could Zi mbabwe explain the differences between the three classes (A, B, and C) that 
procuring entities are grouped into and their corresponding thresholds?  
 
Answer  
 
• Procuring entities are group in terms of the size of their procurement budgets and risk 
profile. Th e classes are as follows:  
i. Class A, entities with an annual procurement budget equivalent to US$2 million 
and low risk profile or entities with lower procurement budget and low risk profile,  
ii. Class B, entities with an annual procurement budget equivalent to between 
US$500,000 and US$2 million with low risk profile, or entities with a budget under 
Class A but with a high risk profile, or entities with a budget under Class C with 
lower risk profile.  
iii. Class C, entities with procurement budget below US$500,000 or entities with 
procurement budgets under Class A and B with high risk profile.  
• There are different thresholds for review by SPOC for procurement of construction 
works, goods and services. Class A entities have a higher threshold for procurement 
that they ca n conclude before prior review by SPOC.  
• The Classes also guide the procuring entities in establishing the structure of the 
procurement management unit in terms of Section 17 of the PPDPA Act.  
• The risk profiles referred to   in the Public Procurement and Dis posal of Assets 
Regulations shall be determined in accordance with guidelines issued by the Authority 
from time to time  
Para 3.138, Page 75  
 
A domestic price preference envisages a margin of 15% for the procurement of goods, and 7.5% for 
the procurement of contractors' services. Within these prescribed limits, preference may be given 
to bidders that are domestic suppliers or manufacturers, and an extra preference, within the 
prescribed limits, may be given to women or entities controlled predo minantly by women, or to 
Zimbabwean universities or polytechnics.  
 
Question 12  
Is the domestic price preference applicable to all procurements, regardless of contract 
value?  
 
Answer  
The domestic price preference is optional and may be applicable to any procurements in line with 
Section 8 (5) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act General Regulations on 
condition that it has expressly been provided in the bidding d ocument.  
 
Question 13  
Is the domestic price preference applied automatically to all procurements, or does the 
procuring entity choose to apply the it on a case -by-case basis?  
 
Answer  
In line with Section 29 of the Act, a Procuring Entity may choose to app ly a preference on a case by 
case basis. However, in line with Section 29 [c (i)(ii)] the preference shall be  
• stated clearly in the bidding documents; and  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  • applied strictly in accordance with such procedures and criteria as may be prescribed or 
as maybe st ated in circulars issued by the Authority  
Section 3.3. 7 – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPRs)  
Para 3.144, Page 76  
 
The Secretariat Report notes the launch of the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Policy and 
Implementation Strategy (2018 -22). The strategy aim s to rely on IPRs for economic growth and 
development, in science, technology, innovation; for rural development; and the growth of SMEs.  
 
Question 14  
Can Zimbabwe provide additional information on some of the achievements to date of the 
Zimbabwe Intellec tual Property Policy and Implementation Strategy?  
 
Answer  
Higher and tertiary institutions of learning are now in the process of establishing institutional 
Intellectual Property policy  
• Higher and tertiary institutions of learning are in the process of establishing Technology 
and Innovation support centers (TISC)  
• More filings from local applicants  
• Plans to establish IP clubs in schools are underway.  
Page 76 -77 (Table 3.20) Application for patents, trademarks, industrial designs and patent granted, 
2012-18: 
The Secretariat Report provides a chart outlining patent applications, industrial design applications, 
trademark applications and the total number of patents granted.  
 
Question 15  
Can Zimbabwe provide additional information on the amount of trademarks and industrial 
designs granted during the review period?  
 
Answer  
 
 Year 2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  
Trade -
marks  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total  Residents  210 353 249 211 224 350 305 319 508 
Non 
residents  1279 1309 1311 1489 1121 852 822 1093 
 623 
Banjul 
Protocol  
 185  
109 
res 232 
67 res  234  
69 
res 294 
105 
res 158 
61 
res 242 
68 
res 240 
89 
res 316 
172 
res 267 
Madrid  
 - - - - 397 781 1156 1305 
1 res 1044 
 1674  1894  1794  1994  1900  2225  2523  3033  2442  
Patents  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total  Residents  4 4 2 5 8 4 7 18 60 
 
Non 
residents  10 
 4 8 8 12 3 2 2 5 
Harare 
Protocol  48 
 103 208 309 
2 res 541 
5 res 415 
7 res 489 
9 res 518 
7 res 513 
 
PCT 7 15 11 8 4 4 9 2 4 
 69 126 229 330 565 426 
 507 540 582 
Industrial 
designs  
 
 
 
 
Total  Residents  0 2 2 2 
 4 3 4 3 5 
Non 
residents  4 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 - 
Harare 
Protocol  - - 6 16 74 
2 res 48 
8 res 36 
2 res 64 
7 res 44 
 4 4 10 20 80 53 44 71 49 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
3. VISION 2030 AGENDA  
Section 3.1 PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TSP  
Para 3.5, page  5 
The report notes that the government intends to have zero tolerance on expenditures outside the 
budget and states that the government has asserted fiscal discipline. At the same time the most 
recent Article IV reports point to continuing concerns over quasi -fiscal activities and the contingent 
liability in the form of compensation owed to some Zimbabwean famers.  
Question 16  
What additional steps are being contemplated to respond to the concerns  over continued 
quasi -fiscal activities?  
 
Answer  
1. Under the 2019 and 2020 National Budgets, Government prioritised Fiscal Consolidation 
in order to arrest inflation and stabilise the economy. A commitment was therefore 
made to avoid expenditures outside the  Budget, assert fiscal discipline and contain 
expenditures.  
2. This policy stance, to some extend, brought positive results in terms of budget 
management and the IMF in their Staff Report for the 2019 Article IV Consultation of 
12 February 2020 acknowledged that: 
"the fiscal stance has been tightened significantly under the current administration to 
contain monetary financing of the deficit and help stabilize the economy. The 
government has contained spending well below the supplementary budget allocations, 
with lower than budgeted infrastructure spending and transfers to provinces, as well as 
containment of the wage bill. Although quasi -fiscal operations by the RBZ continued 
during 2019, the cash deficit of the central government, is estimated to have decline d 
to 3.5 percent of GDP, compared to 4 percent targeted in the budget and 7.5 percent 
in 2018. " (para 8).  
3. Further, the Fund Staff Report also stresses that "Many of the reforms contained in the 
TSP are in line with past Fund policy advice: strengthening fiscal management, 
improving the financial stability framework, developing a transparent and better -
functioning FX market, and supporting governance reform. As summarized in Annex I 
and discussed below, the authorities have achieved a signifi cant fiscal adjustment". 
(para 5)  
4. This witnesses Government's commitment to various reforms articulated in the TSP.  
5. However, in the course of the TSP implementation, some challenges exerted pressure 
on the economy necessitating some unforeseen expenditures . These were in particular, 
on account of climatic and other macro -economic shocks in form of costly drought, 
Cyclone IDAI, which had devastating effect on food  security, power generation and 
other negative results on the rest of the other sectors.  
6. hese sh ocks necessitated unanticipated spending for food security and electricity 
imports, among others. Shocks on the Foreign Exchange Market, which in turn fed into 
high inflation worsened the situation and it is important to note the contribution of the 
absenc e of external balance of payments support  in this whole equation.  
7. However, notwithstanding the impact of these shocks, Government remain focussed on 
TSP reforms agenda and already Government through the Reserve Bank is instituting 
measures to establish sa nity in the financial and foreign exchange markets, whose rent -
seeking activities have been contributing to exchange instability and hence inflation and 
the rise in unexpected spending.  
8. Further, a formal market based system of foreign exchange trading is being established, 
supported by an electronic foreign exchange trading system.  
9. In addition, a new policy on targeting subsidies that are budgeted is being implemented 
and that has seen subsidies on electricity, fuel, gold being rationalised and removed. 
These subsidies have been the main sources for quasi activities. Meanwhile Treasury WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  remain resolute on avoiding monetising the budget deficit through the Central bank 
funding.  
10. A combination of continued fiscal consolidation stance and ongoing monetary and 
foreign exchange reforms should see evaporation of quasi -fiscal activities.  
Question 17  
What is the status of discussions with farmers to reach an agreed or negotiated resolution 
on compensation owed?  
 
Answer  
Fruitful discussions are ongoing on the matter.  
Para 3.14, page 7  
The report states that the safety of investments in Zimbabwe is guaranteed, and notes that there is 
recourse to the judiciary should there be need to resolve disputes.  
Question 18  
How should investors who have followed the route suggested by the report achieve an 
effective resolution when court decisions have repeatedly not been enforced by the 
police?  
 
Answer  
An investor can appeal using International investment bodies to which Zimbabwe is a member. 
Zimbabwe is a member of Multil ateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the Africa Trade 
Insurance Agency (ATI), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), 
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the New York Convention on the Enforcement 
of Arbitral Awards and the United Nations Convention on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), 
amongst others.  
 
Section 3.2 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK  
Para 3.21, page 8   
The report acknowledges that arrears owed by Zimbabwe remain a challenge, which has a negative 
impact on  its ability to foster development and to address the country's significant economic and 
social challenges. It then cites the successful completion of the SMP with the IMF and the completion 
of reforms set out in the TSP as the solution.  
 
Questions 19  
How will Zimbabwe adjust to the determination by the IMF that the current situation does 
not support a continuation of the SMP?  
 
Answer  
1. The SMP for Zimbabwe was approved by IMF management in May 2019. The first SMP 
Review indicated that "Performance against quantitative  program targets was 
satisfactory through end -June."  
2. Further, performance against the SMP's structural benchmarks  were al so satisfactory 
throughout the programme. [The SMP is due to expire at end -March 2020.]  
3. However, under the Second SMP Review, the programme confronted challenges related 
to the shocks mentioned above, resulting in some targets particularly on the monetary 
side being missed.  
 
Questions 20  
How will Zimbabwe accelerate the genuine implementation of promised reforms that it 
argues are needed both for its own objectives and for successful' re -engagement' when 
there has been far less progress on its reform agend a than is needed?  
 
Answer  
With the ongoing implementation of the TSP, challenges on missed targets, mostly related to quasi 
activities and foreign exchange reforms are receiving attention as indicated above. More so, the 
ongoing Covid -19 Mitigatory strate gies are mindful of this reality and necessity.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Further, the reengagement process continues and Treasury keeps engaging and communicating with 
various creditors/jurisdictions for an amicable arrears solution. To that end, Government has 
approached the Paris Club creditors and IFIs for a resolution on the back of Covid -19 pandemic. 
Technical and other developmental cooperation with a number of creditor countries and the 
multilateral financial institutions including the IMF continues and is  appreciated.  
5. MONETARY AND EXCHANGE RATE POLICIES  
Para 5.3, page 9  
The report describes the foreign currency surrender regime noting that exporters must use retained 
export earnings within 30 days or unused balances are sold on the interbank market. R eports from 
the business sector suggest that in practice the interbank market does not operate in the open and 
transparent manner needed for predictable and accurate currency valuation.  
Questions 21  
What measures are being implemented to ensure the currenc y market operates in an 
efficient way which does not create a disincentive for investment and commercial activity?  
Answer  
To ensure the currency market operates in a transparent manner, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is 
putting in place an electronic forex t rading platform based on the Reuters system. This platform will 
allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange 
rate to be determined. The Bureaux de Changes will also participate on this platform through thei r 
Authorised Dealers. The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they 
can conduct all wider range of transactions. The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the 
market, providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange r ate, where necessary.  
Para 5.6, page 9  
The report highlights that the Reserve Bank guaranteed the payment of "legacy debts" at the 1:1 
exchange rate between RTGS dollar and US dollar.  
Questions 22  
How is legacy debt being identified and repayment priorit ised?  
 
Answer  
All the affected parties are required to submit their applications through their banks. The banks will 
then submit the applications for the legacy debt to be paid at par to the exchange control Division. 
There is a Committee comprising of the  exchange control Division and the Ministry of Finance to 
ensure transparency. The Committee would then make recommendations to the Governor for 
approval.  
 
Questions 23  
How can companies owed legacy debts which have not yet arrived at a resolution of their  
situations appeal the slow forward movement?  
 
Answer  
All the fresh applications were processed, and the outcomes communicated to the respective 
companies. The Bank is now looking at the appeals from companies whose applications have been 
rejected.  
 
Ques tions 24  
Are there procedures in place to address grievances?  
 
Answer  
In the event that the application is rejected, the applicant is free to make an appeal to the 
Committee. This is done in line with the Exchange Control Appeals procedure under the Statu tory 
Instrument (SI) 109 of 1996 .2 The Governor and the Permanent Secretary can consider the 
 
2 https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/acts/SIs/exchange -control -regulations, -1996-(statutory -
instrument -109-of-1996).pdf . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  application. If the applicant is not satisfied, the issue can further be escalated to the Minister of 
Finance since the Ministry of Finance is the ultimate exchan ge control authority .1 
6. SECTORAL PERFORMANCE  
Section - 6.1 AGRICULTURE  
Para 6.3, page 11  
The report promises the resolution of the bankability of 99 years leases as a means of removing 
government liability.  
Question 25  
How will this issue be resolved considering that this has been a commitment of Zimbabwe 
governments dating back at least 6 years but which has clearly been met with opposition?  
 
Answer  
1. Government of Zimbabwe has through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural 
Resettlement made effort to make the 99 Year lease bankable to enable farmers to borrow against 
this tenure document – Indeed several meetings have been held during the past six years with the 
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and considerable progress mad e in reviewing and 
amending the lease. It is on record that during meetings attended by the World Bank mission the 
President of the Bankers Association admitted that some Sections of the lease which the banks were 
not happy with had been amended and consid erable progress had been made. The World Bank in 
their mission report commended favorably  to the changes which had been made particularly in 
protecting the tenders where the borrower defaults in repayment.  
 
The Bankers Association at some point reported in  the press that with the changes to the lease the 
banks were prepared to loan farmers on the basis of the lease. Of late the Bankers Association have 
been requested again to submit aspects of the lease the Association would like reviewed and 
amended for an other round of discussions to finalize this issue  
 
Section - 6.2 MINING  
Para 6.11, page 12  
The report notes that the Zimbabwe will explore the possibility of joining the Extractive Industry 
Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2020.  
Questions 26  
Could Zimbab we provide a timeline for its discussions with the EITI Secretariat and for 
its decision -point for signing on to the initiative?  
 
Questions 27  
Could Zimbabwe confirm that it intends to adhere to the EITI in light of several statements 
from leading officia ls calling into question the government's interest following the visit of 
Helen Clark in October 2019?  
 
Answer:  
1. The EITI Chair came to Zimbabwe for a familiarization visit in October 2019. Stakeholder 
Consultations are to be done in 2020.  
2. The intentions of Zimbabwe joining EITI are there as highlighted in the 2019 and 2020 
Budget Statements by the Minister of Finan ce and Economic Development.  
 
11. INSTITUTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL REFORMS  
Section - 11.3 STATE ENTERPRISES AND PARASTATALS REFORM  
Para 11.6, page 18  
The report indicates that actions are under way to make SOEs fully accountable and economically 
viable and that they may be fully or partially privatized.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 28  
Can Zimbabwe provide an update on the process of privatization and provide assurances 
provide that this will be fair and transparent, and open to international bidders?  
 
Answer  
 
Transparency Procedures  
Independent transactional Advisors identified through competitive bidding as provided in the Public 
Procurement Legislation would advise the implementation of privatisation transactions. The Adverts 
for procuring Transaction Advisors were open to both domestic and international consulting firms in 
line with principle of transparency.  
 
The Investors are being identified through the competitive b idding process to ensure transparency 
and equal opportunities to all potential investors.  
 
In 2019, we enacted the State Public Entities Corporate Governance Act which is intended to 
strengthen the management and governance of State -Owned  Enterprises so th at they contribute to 
economic growth and development. State -owned enterprises in the past contributed over 40% to 
GDP and this has gone down to less than 10%.  
 
Question 29  
Is the enactment of the State Public Entities Corporate Governance Act in response  to the 
lack of implementation of the restructuring and privatization strategies that were adopted 
in 1999?  
 
Answer  
The Public Entities Corporate Governance Act was promulgated June 2018 to bring about good 
corporate governance in the entities and their p erformance had gone down and this had nothing to 
do with the 1999 strategies as these are two different issues  
 
Part XII.  Trade Policies and Practices:  Export–Led Production and Industrialisation  
 
Paragraph  10, page  19: 
 
It is noted that the Government of Zimbabwe recognizes the need to continuously improve the 
environment for private sector in particular SMEs development.  
 
Questions 30  
As part of efforts to improve the environment for private sector in Zimbabwe, particul arly 
SMEs, are the effects (intended or unintended) of policy measures on SMEs a 
consideration in any mandated review process for new or revised legislation or 
regulations? Is this process implemented when that new or revised legislation or 
regulation is n ot directly related to assisting SMEs?  
 
Answer  
The effect of regulations or legislation on SMEs are considered when carrying out policy revisions. 
For example, countrywide consultations were carried out to obtain the views of the SMEs for the 
MSME Policy R eview process which is currently being finalised.  
SMEs are invited as stakeholders at various policy review processes conducted by various institutions 
given their importance in the economic development of the country.  
 
Question 3 1 
Are there any targeted policies and programmes to help SMEs domestically and/or export 
internationally? If so, provide this information.  
 
Answer  
SMEs are assisted to access local and international market by the Ministry by way of mobilization 
and facilitation of their participat ion at regional and international exhibitions. The Ministry also offers 
other business development support services to SMEs such:  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  • Business management and technical skills training, business linkages, quality assurance 
and standards training in order to im prove market competitiveness of the SMEs 
products.  
• The government signs MOUs with regional countries to promote SME development at 
bilateral level.  
• At Regional level there are programmes under COMESA such as the COMESA Simplified 
Trade Regime, a programme  aimed at facilitating small scale cross border trade through 
the use of simplified customs documents to enable them to enjoy duty free importation 
of goods originating within the region.  
Question 3 2 
How are SMEs defined for the purpose of statistical and policy analysis in Zimbabwe?  
 
Answer  
In Zimbabwe, MSMEs are defined according to the Small and Medium Enterprises Act Chapter 24:12, 
Third Schedule Section 2. SMEs are defined based on four variables which number of permanent 
workers, annual turnover, gros s value of assets excluding immovable property and legal status. The 
general definitions are outlined below but the values differ . 
 
Definition of SMEs  
 
NUMBER OF PERMANENT 
WORKERS  ANNUAL TURNOVER  VALUE OF ASSETS EXCLUDING 
FIXED ASSETS;  
Micro  Up to 5  Up to 30 000  Up to 10 000  
Small  6-30 (except for those in 
mining, construction, 
energy and transport with 
up to 40)  500 000 (except those in 
mining -1500000, 
construction -1 000 000)  250 000 (except for mining -
1 000 000, manufacturing -500 000, 
construction and energy -1 000 000) 
Medium  31-75 1 000 000 (except those 
in mining -3000 000 and 
construction -2 000 00)  500 000 (except for those in mining 
and construction - 2 000 000, 
Manufacturing and energy  
-1 000 000)  
 
ZIMRA sme CATEGORISATION [BASED ON POINTS]  
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) defines SMEs in terms of a point system based on 
employment levels, turnover according to Section 2 of the Finance Act as read with the fourth 
schedule of the Small and Medium Enterprises Act Chapter.  
SME Categorization  
BASE  RANGE  POINTS  FACTOR  
Employment Levels  Up to 5 employees  1 A 
6-40 employees  2 
41-75 employees  3 
76 –above  4 
Annual Turnover  Up to USD 50000  1 B 
USD 50001 -USD 500000  2 
USD 500001 -USD 1000000  3 
USD 1000000 -above  4 
Gross Value of Assets  Up to USD 50000  1 C 
USD 50000 - USD 1000000  2 
USD 100001 - USD 2000000  3 
USD 2000000 -above  4 
 
Score Notes  
a) Ten points or more disqualifies the enterprise concerned.  
b) Eight or nine points qualifies the enterprise as a medium enterprise.  
c) Five, six or seven qualifies the enterprise as small.  
d) Three or four points qualifies the enterprise as micro enterprise.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Quest ion 33 
Please provide any readily available statistics on the role of SMEs in Zimbabwe economy 
and participation in international trade, specifically: (i) total number of SMEs in 
Zimbabwe; (ii) percentage of businesses that are SMEs; (iii) employment profile of SMEs, 
e.g. percentage of total employment generated by SMEs; (iv) export and impo rts by SMEs, 
e.g. percentage of all exports and imports for SMEs, total number of SMEs that are 
exporting and importing.  
 
Answer  
According to the MSME Fin scope Survey (2012) the total number of SMEs in Zimbabwe was 2.8 
million MSME owners owning 3.5 million businesses, employing a total of 2.9 million people (all ages, 
excluding the business owners themselves). The sector contributed significantly to employment with 
a total of 5.7 million people working in the sector. Since then there is no comprehens ive study which 
has been conducted in this regard.  
 
Question  34 
Does Zimbabwe collect statistics on SME ownership by diverse groups (e.g., women, 
youth, etc.)? If so, please provide this information.  
 
Answer  
To capture disaggregated data on SMEs in the cou ntry, The Ministry is in the process of developing 
a database with entry points at all the districts to capture information on SMEs which will help in the 
production of disaggregated data on SMEs.  
 
Question  35 
Does Zimbabwe include provisions in its Region al Trade Agreements in support of SMEs 
in cross -border trade, e.g. cooperation, investment? If so, please provide an overview of 
these provisions.  
 
Answer  
Government of Zimbabwe has facilitated the implementation of the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime 
(STR)  to promote small scale cross border trading activities with Zambia and Malawi. The Simplified 
Trade Regime (STR) is aimed at simplifying the trade process of clearing goods by informal -cross-
border traders through the use of a simplified customs document.   
 
Efforts are currently underway to develop an STR for intra -SADC trade.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM CANADA  
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Section 3.144  
 
1. In the Intellectual Property Rights section 3.144, the report states that the "Strategy seeks to 
rely on IPRs for economic growth and development, in science, technology, innovation; for rural 
development; and the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, amo ng others."  
Question1 : Can Zimbabwe provide additional statistics and or results on how this strategy has 
impacted the competitiveness and growth of SMEs?  
Section 3.72  
 
2. In Export finance, insurance, and guarantees' section 3.72, the report states that "The Export 
Credit Guarantee Corporation of Zimbabwe, a wholly owned subsidiary of the RBZ and a registered 
short-term insurer, is an export credit agency whose mandate i s to help in the promotion and 
facilitation of Zimbabwe's domestic and international trade through the provision of export and 
domestic credit insurance products. It also provides guarantees to financial companies so that they 
lend to micro, small and medi um-sized companies.  
Questions:  
2. Has there been strong engagement from micro, small, and medium -sized businesses with the 
Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of Zimbabwe?  
3. Does Zimbabwe collect sex disaggregated data on the applications received and tho se companies 
that receive support?  
• Do women have a good success rate in obtaining financing?  
• Do women tend to receive primarily micro credit and men larger loans/equity? How 
does this affect their participation in trade?  
Response  
MSME CREDIT GUARANTEE SCH EME 
There has been a strong engagement with MSMEs through Lending Institutions, and as a result they 
have been able to access credit using ECGC's credit guarantee as collateral security. This 
engagement has seen 12 Banks and 15 Microfinance Institutions di sbursing credit to MSMEs under 
the MSME Credit Guarantee Scheme. Women also have been able to access finance from Lending 
Institutions at the back of the guarantee scheme. Below is a table with statistics of MSMEs who have 
benefitted from the Credit Guaran tee scheme since 2018.  
 
  2018  2019  2020  
Number  50 183 65 
Value  USD 4,501,328.19  ZW$17,229,722.92  ZW$7,292,210.35  
Women: Value  USD 50,000.00  ZW$1,439,240.00  ZW$649,888.00  
Women: Number  3 41 13 
 
Question 11 of the United States on Page 76 of RD/TPR/1174  
Canada thanks Zimbabwe for their response to Question 11 of the United States on page 76 of 
document RD/TPR/1174* and for clarifying the circumstances under which it uses insurance and 
freight cost estimates in applying the additions to the pri ce actually paid or payable referred to in 
Article 8.2 of the Customs Valuation Agreement (CVA). Nevertheless, pursuant to this response, 
Canada believes that the answer to the question of how this is consistent with Article 8.3 of the CVA 
remains outstand ing.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Where insurance and freight costs were incurred by the importer, but insufficient 'proof' exists to 
calculate these costs (e.g. the importer failed or refused to provide sufficient documentation), has 
Zimbabwe considered the rejection of the transaction value method (TVM) in accordance with the 
Note to Article 8, Paragraph 3 of the CVA and proceeding to a subsequent method of customs 
valuation pursuant to Articles 2 through 7 of the CVA?  
 
Likewise, in circumstances where the importer provides his own transport and does not charge for 
the service, there is nevertheless a cost associated with transporting the goods which the importer 
should be accounting for in their books and records. In order to consistently abide by Article 8.3 of 
the CVA has Zimbabwe sought to determine the actual insurance and freight costs incurred by the 
importer through a request and analysis of the importer's books and records?  
Response  
In instances where the importer fails or refuses to provide sufficient documentary evidence to allow 
for the use of "Transaction Value" as prescribed by the Agreement on Customs Valuation, Article 1, 
the primary basis for customs valuation "transactional v alue", cannot be used and the proceeding 
valuation methods as prescribed in Articles 2 to 7 are utilized. The same is done in instances where 
the importer utilizes his own transport and no charge for transport or insurance is raised.  
In some instances whe re it is deemed necessary post clearance verifications are done on an 
importers books and records to verify the correctness of customs declarations tendered by importers.  
Follow Up Questions by Canada  
Canada thanks Zimbabwe for their response and confirma tion that the transaction value method is 
rejected, and a subsequent valuation method of appraisal is used when the importer fails or refuses 
to provide sufficient documentary evidence.  
If such is the case, Canada would like Zimbabwe to further clarify und er what circumstances and 
using what method of customs valuation in Articles 1 through 7 of the Customs Valuation Agreement 
(CVA), are estimates (i.e. based on average costs of past transactions) for insurance and freight 
costs used.  
Furthermore, as explai ned and asked in our previous question, in circumstances where the importer 
provides his own transport and does not charge for the service, there is nevertheless a cost 
associated with transporting the goods which the importer should be accounting for and can be 
discerned by Customs in their books and records. Consequently, in the case of the latter situation 
described in Zimbabwe 's response (i.e. own transport of the importer) Canada would like to 
understand on what basis the transaction value method is re jected?  
Response  
For instances where importers fail to submit documentary evidence to allow for the use of transaction 
valuation in terms of Article 1, the alternative valuation methods are utilized in terms of Article 2 
through to Article 7. The use of e stimates as stated, is done in terms of Article 7, where reasonable 
means are utilized to computation the costs of insurance and freight, in instances where Articles 1 
through to Article 6 cannot be utilized.  
In instances where own transport is utilized if  the importer provides evidence of the costs of 
insurance and freight, and such costs are not influenced by any consideration, such values are 
accepted. However, tests are done to ascertain that such declared costs are consistent with identical 
or similar consignments from the same country of origin destined to Zimbabwe .  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  CHINA  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
Page 8 (Para.  8) and Page 1 (Para.  1.2.1） 
"Tobacco is the number one agricultural commodity for Zimbabwe (21% of total exports in 2018)".  
Question 1  
Tobacco is a pillar industry, the payments or pre -production inputs paid to tobacco farmers are 
conducive to the sustainable development of local pillar industries and the improvement of 
agricultural infrastructures. In the me antime, control measures have continued to increase such as 
those in tobacco and cotton merchants' offshore loans for input schemes and tobacco and cotton 
offshore loans for the purchase of crops as specified in 1.2.1 (Monetary and exchange rate policies).  
What are the considerations for adopting foreign exchange control measures related to 
tobacco planting and tobacco leaf exports? Will there be any changes in the future?  
 
Answer  
The current tobacco marketing procedures are as follows3:  
a. Tobacco growers who have contracted loans in foreign currency shall be payable and 
deducted from proceeds of sale of tobacco and thereafter 50% of the sale proceeds 
shall be paid in foreign currency and the other 50% will be converted at the applicable 
interbank rate on t he day of the sale and paid in local currency.  
b. The 50% foreign currency portion shall be paid directly into the grower's FCA while the 
50% local currency portion will be deposited directly into the grower's local currency 
account or e -wallets on the day o f sale.  
c. Tobacco growers who opt to have 100% of their tobacco sale proceeds being paid into 
their RTGS$ bank accounts, shall also be accommodated without the need to open the 
Nostro FCA bank accounts.  
d. Tobacco growers who do not have FCAs are encouraged to open one with any local 
banks of their choice.  
e. In order to assist growers in accessing cash for incidentals at the point of sale and to 
settle immediate essential requirements such as transport expenses, growers shall be 
entitled to withdraw cash equivalent to RTGS$1.50 per kg of tobacco sold, up to a 
maximum of RTGS$2000. For instance, a grower is entitled to withdraw cash amounting 
to RTGS$300 after selling 200kgs of green leaf tobacco. The maximum cash withdrawals 
may be reviewed as the sel ling season progresses.  
f. Tobacco growers who have not yet opened Nostro FCA bank accounts, are kindly 
advised to do so by approaching Banks which hold their individual RTGS$ bank accounts 
and present their National Identity Card and grower's number.  
g. to faci litate adequate preparations and importation of inputs for the next season, the 
foreign currency entitlements for growers shall be treated as free funds and may be 
retained in their FCAs for an indefinite period. For avoidance of doubt, holders of such 
free funds are permitted to conduct inter -FCA transfers or effect foreign payments 
without any restrictions and the FCA balances will not be subject to any liquidation 
requirements.  
Page 60 (Para.  3.49)  
Zimbabwe maintains import prohibitions mainly on health  and moral grounds, and to comply with 
international conventions to which it is a party.  
Question 2  
Whether the TCM is included in the import prohibition? If so, what are these medicines?  
 
 
3 https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/press/TOBBACCO -Press -Statement.pdf . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Answer  
a. The importation of Traditional Chinese Medicines is not pr ohibited in Zimbabwe. Instead 
the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe ("the Authority") regulates Traditional 
Chinese Medicines which are in pharmaceutical form for (e.g. Capsules, tablets and pills) 
or which make medicinal claims (e.g. tea bags and dr inks).  
b. The Authority regulates the importation of a Traditional Chinese Medicine which:  
i. is in pharmaceutical form; or  
ii. makes medicinal claims; and  
iii. has been approved by the Authority in terms of the Medicines and Allied 
Substances Control (Complementary M edicines) Regulations SI 97 of 2015  
(hereinafter referred to as "the Regulations").   
c. If a person wishes to import a Traditional Chinese medicine which is in pharmaceutical 
form or makes medicinal claims but which has not been approved by the Authority 
he/she has to make an application for authorization to the Authority in terms of 
Section  75 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03).  
d. Traditional Chinese Medicines which are not in pharmaceutical form nor make medicinal 
claims are not regulated by the Authority. Examples of those would be dried leaves, 
dried roots and dried flowers.  
Page 65 (Para.  3.70)  
 
"In recent years, the RBZ provided several concessional loan facilities, some related to exports: 
Export Finance Facility (USD 200 million) …"  
Question 3  
In what currency does the RBZ provide the loan? If the loan is provided in the US dollar, 
will the borrowers need to repay the l oan with the same kind of currency?  
 
Answer  
The various facilities that the RBZ implemented before 2018 were converted at par into local 
currency, implying that all payments will be in local Zimbabwean dollars.  
Currently, the Bank is implementing a Mediu m-term Bank Accommodation (MBA) window to support 
banks with productive sector funding requirements. The Facility is in domestic currency of up to 
ZWD 1.5 billion.  
 
Question 4  
As Zimbabwe is short of foreign exchange, if the policy on compulsory exchange 
settlement is implemented in the future, how will exporters' foreign exchange earnings 
be protected? Does the RBZ have a unified arrangement?  
 
Answer  
The current arrangement is that all exporters have to comply with the existing surrender 
requirements as in dicated in the report. The surrender requirements are a short -term measure to 
preserve foreign currency for critical import needs such as fuel and electricity among other things. 
However, when the economy is fully recovered, the surrender requirements will  be reviewed 
accordingly.  
 
Page 67 (Para.  3.80)  
 
To date (2019), the SAZ has published 2,352 Zimbabwean standards, about 57% of which are based 
on international, regional, or foreign national standards from other countries. The Zimbabwe 
National Standardiz ation Strategy is in place for the three -year cycle of 2018 -20, which has identified 
133 new standardization projects, mainly in food and agriculture.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Question 5  
What is the current implementation effect of the Zimbabwe National Standardization 
Strategy m entioned in this paragraph?  
 
Answer  
Some of the national standards from the Zimbabwe National Standardization Strategy (ZNSS) 
standards projects portfolio are now being published. Of the 133 planned projects aimed at 
supporting Zimbabwe's socio-economic development a total 18 national standards have been 
finalised. Following the repeal of Statutory Instrument (SI) 64 OF 2016 on Control of Goods on the 
Open General Import License many standards that were planned in the ZNSS to support of 
SI 64 became irrelevant. Some projects' progress was hindered due to stakeholder apathy. Progress 
made so far is at 13.5 % against target, it is worth noting that the strategy needs major review in 
light of policy changes. SAZ is planning to review the ZNSS 2 018 – 2020 and establish ZNSS 2021 
– 2023 that will factor in any national policies changes to ensure more alignment of the standards 
development work programme with real market needs.  
 
Question 6  
Which specific international and regional standards are men tioned above? Please provide 
some examples. Which countries do the "foreign national standards" mainly come from?  
 
Answer  
International: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical 
Commission (IEC)  
Regional: SADC, C OMESA, ARSO  
Foreign: mainly South Africa  
 
Page 67 -68 (Para.  3.81)  
Decisions on the adoption of standards as technical regulations are made by the ministry in charge 
of regulating the relevant sector. A statutory instrument making the standard mandatory must be 
enacted by that ministry and published in the government Gazette. Zimbabwe's technical regulations 
cover a range of products, including Portland cement, cement bricks, glass blocks, damp proofing 
materials, mastic asphalt for roofing, bit umen roofing felts, fibre cement felts, fire extinguishers, fire 
doors, zinc coatings on steel, clay roofing tiles, steel pipes, copper tubes, and water taps. The energy 
sector is also covered by technical regulations. To date, about 3% of the standards ha ve been 
adopted as technical regulations in Zimbabwe.  
 
Question 7  
3% of the standards have been adopted as technical regulations in Zimbabwe. Does 
Zimbabwe publish the list of standards adopted as technical regulations? If so, where can 
the stakeholders ge t relevant information?  
Answer  
The list is obtainable from the SAZ Information Centre or on www.saz.org.zw  
 
Page 74 (Para.  3.117 -3.118)  
The Competition and Tariff Commission is a statutory body, established with the primary objective 
of enforcing the Compe tition Act. It resulted from a merger in 2001 of two bodies, the former 
Industry and Trade Competition Commission and the former Tariff Commission. The Commission 
therefore also has the mandate of implementing the country's tariff policy (Section 3.1.8).  
Since its inception, the Commission has handled cases in several sectors, including, inter alia, 
energy, construction, agriculture, financial services, beverages, health, and telecommunications. 
Most of the restrictive business practices handled by the Com mission were remedied through the 
issuance of cease -and-desist orders. Penalties were levied for breaches of the merger notifications 
provisions, and the highest penalty was USD 2.5 million. The Commission undertook studies in the 
fertilizer sector, and in  the petroleum, beef and cement industries.  
 
Question 8  
In addition to cease -and-desist orders issued to handle restrictive business practices, 
does the Competition and Tariff Commission have any other legal responsibilities? How 
have these responsibiliti es been implemented?  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Answer  
The Competition and Tariff Commission can also refer cases to the National Prosecuting Authority 
("NPA") for the fining and or imprisonment of persons who engage in restrictive practices that are 
defined as Unfair Business pra ctices in terms of section 42 of the Act. These unfair business practices 
include collusive arrangements between competitors, exclusive dealing and resale price 
maintenance. The review of the Act seeks also to address the problems experienced by the 
Commis sion in referral of this legal responsibility to the NPA. The proposed amendment will therefore 
empower the Commission to penalise offenders for engaging in restrictive practices.  
 
Question 9  
Please elaborate on the coordination procedures for merger assessment and approval by 
relevant regulatory authorities in Zimbabwe and the coordination procedures for the 
review of mergers by the Competition and Tariff Commission.  
 
Answer  
The Commission undertakes stakeholder consultations for any merger und er review. Regulatory 
authorities are key stakeholders in the examination of mergers thus the Commission requests for 
input and views of regulators, which are then analysed and considered by the Commission. The 
Commission signed Memorandum of Understanding s ("MOUs") with some of the sector regulators, 
which made collaboration in merger regulation effective. The Commission's approval does not 
override any other regulatory approvals that the merging parties have to comply with. The 
Commission therefore advise s parties to comply with any other statutory or regulatory approvals 
i.e. Exchange control approvals from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.  
 
Page 78 (Para.  3.139)  
Zimbabwe is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and its administered  
conventions and protocols; its legal framework is presented in Table 3.19. Zimbabwe is also a 
member of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), which maintains a 
centralized system for the filing and substantive examination of ind ustrial design, trademark and 
patent applications. Zimbabwe has yet to officially adhere to the Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement, to provide additional flexibilities to grant special compulsory licenses for the export of 
medicines.  
 
Question 10  
Is the re any plan to accede to the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement in the near 
future?  
Page 80 (Para.  3.146)  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe is in the process of ratifying the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement. The desire is 
there for the country to ratify before the  end of the current Parliament session that expires before 
the next election in 2023.  
 
Question 11  
What are the specific aspects covered by the awareness programs aiming at improving 
trademark protection?  
 
Answer  
Inclusion of SMEs and private sector in awareness programs e.g. during the world IP day they were 
asked to join in the celebration marketing their products using their registered trademarks.  
 
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Page 13 (Para.  7.1) 
Government is reviewing the current regulatory insurance framework with a view of consolidating 
all insurance, medical aid schemes, legal aid societies and pension funds including the National Social 
Security Authority under a single regulator – Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPE C). 
 
Question 12  
Whether the TCM is adopted in the medical aid schemes?  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Answer  
IPEC will only regulate medical aid schemes operations with regards to insurance. If medical aid 
collects premiums, then they will fall under insurance hence the need for regul ation. However, if the 
TCM is established at the lower end of the medical value chain ie offering medical consultancy, 
prescribing and selling medicines, it falls under the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and 
the Ministry of Health and Child Care.  
Currently only conventional medicinal practices are covered under medical aid schemes, hence the 
TCM, at the present moment, is not adopted by such medical aid schemes.  
 
Page 17 (Para.  9.2) 
Zimbabwe is currently developing the National Quality Policy which will promote the development 
and sustenance of quality infrastructure in the country. Zimbabwe is also finalizing the Compulsory 
Specifications Bill that seeks to outlaw importation and distribution of sub -standard products. This 
will also mak e adherence to currently voluntary standards that are pertinent to human health and 
the environment, compulsory  
 
Question 13  
When will the National Quality Policy of Zimbabwe and the ongoing legislation of the 
Compulsory Specifications to be published?  
 
Answer  
The draft National Quality Policy of Zimbabwe is projected to be finalized by next year and the 
legislation for the Compulsory Specifications will be published once it has successfully undergone 
the parliamentary process.  
 
Page 20 (Para.  12.14 -16) 
12.14. Zimbabwe recognizes the importance of effective implementation of competition law in 
achieving inclusive economic growth. Therefore, the country engaged in legislative reform which 
gave birth to the revision of the Competition Act. The amendments seek to ensure effective 
deterrence of antitrust violations hence the Act will provide for appropriate sanctions for procedural 
and substantive competition violations. The Commission, for infringements including cartelization 
and abuse of dominance, will hencef orth levy punitive administrative penalties based on turnovers 
of offenders.  
12.15.  In its quest to create an enabling environment for fair competition, the Commission also 
developed a Competition Assessment Toolkit in order to have a mechanism to review t he 
harmonization of Policies Laws, Government and Business Actions in relation to their effect on 
competition and subsequently on industrialization. This Competition Assessment Toolkit provides a 
sieving mechanism to ensure that there is sufficient coheren ce with competition rules and principles 
thereby building a competition culture in the country.  
12.16.  The Commission has started engaging on advocacy campaigns with policy makers to ensure 
harmonization of laws as well as elimination of laws or regulation s, which have an effect of promoting 
anti-competitive behaviours.  
 
Question 14  
Please brief on the specific amendments to the legal responsibilities of cartelization and 
the abuse of dominance during the revision of the Competition Act.  
 
Answer  
The Competition Act amendments will provide for comprehensive definition of dominance that 
encompass all types of dominance i.e. unitary and collective and a non -exhaustive list of abusive 
conducts. To create legal certainty as to the definition of dominan ce, the amendments introduce 
market share thresholds for consideration of dominance. With respect to cartelisation, the 
Competition amendments will clearly provide for comprehensive definition of agreements to be per 
se prohibited in Zimbabwe and commensur ate deterrent sanctions. The Commission will also have 
powers to penalise offenders for engaging in cartels. Note should be taken that the amendments are 
yet to go through the various approval processes.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 15  
Please brief on the details of competi tion assessment institutions in Zimbabwe and how 
the assessments are conducted.  
 
Answer  
Various institutions including the Competition Authority, Sector Regulators, Research Institutions, 
Government and the Private Sector can use the Competition Assessment  Toolkit. Competition 
assessment provides a check whether a Policy, Law, Government and Business Action is adding 
value to business growth and development. It is a diagnostic tool that poses sets of questions that 
are grouped by theme. The questions begin with the selection of sectors for assessment. Steps that 
analyse the State of competition in each selected sector follow this: identifying the markets and 
competitors, examining the market structure, looking for barriers to entry, looking for anti -
competit ive conduct, considering vested interested interests and the principal beneficiaries, and 
identifying Government policies or institutions that limit competition. The Competition and Tariff 
Commission reviews recommendations from the assessments and issue d irections for 
implementation to the relevant actor or advocates with the relevant Government authority for 
redress of the identified competition concern.  
 
Question 16  
Please brief on the ways and effectiveness of the competition advocacy campaigns 
launched  by the Competition and Tariff Commission and policy makers.  
 
Answer  
The Competition and Tariff Commission uses its competition expertise to persuade Government 
entities to adopt policies that enhance or at least do not impede competition in markets. Advocacy 
activities employed by the Commission take various forms includin g inter-alia reports, studies, 
formal and informal discussions. The Commission successfully advocated for review of policies and 
legislation and an example is the review of the statutory instrument that provided for minimum 
charges in the market for securi ty services. To ensure effectiveness of an advocacy activity, the 
Commission clearly shows the policy maker the effects of the alleged policy or law not only on 
competition but also on other economic variables i.e. growth.  
 
PART III: OTHER QUESTIONS  
 
Quest ion 17  
Does Zimbabwe have any restrictions on market access for foreign investment in civil 
aviation transport services such as public transport aviation, general aviation, air traffic 
control, aircraft maintenance, aviation ground services, passenger and freight forwarding, 
aviation fuel, and computer reservation systems? Please brief on the legal basis for 
industry administration and market access administration on foreign investment in the 
above sectors.  
 
Answer  
Service  Restriction(s)  
I. Public 
transport 
aviation  No  
They used to be a 51% local shareholding structure requirement for air operators to be 
issued with Air services Permit to provide scheduled and charter services but this has 
changed with the amendment of the Indigenisation policy.  
Therefore as long as an Airline is registered in Zimbabwe and comply with investment 
policies in the country, it can be allowed to operate scheduled passenger services.  
Foreign Airlines can operate in Zimbabwe under the Bilateral Air Service Agreements.  
Zimbabwe adopted the Yamousukro Decision – Open Skies Policy which calls for 
liberalisation of air transport market in Africa and is a member of Single African Air 
Transport Market in Africa (SAATM) under the auspice of African Union.  
Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights are granted to foreign airlines on case by case basis for 
non SAATM Member States.  
II. General 
Aviation  No restrictions on for foreign investors, however we are always guided by the national 
policy on investment.  
III. Air Traffic 
Control  For security reasons the services are provided by a state enterprise, 100% owned by 
government (CAAZ).  
IV. Aircraft 
Maintenance  No restrictions as long as there is compliance to the national investment laws.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Service  Restriction(s)  
V. Aviation 
Ground 
Services  No restrictions on foreign investment  
However, the government currently has restricted the number of players to only two 
players due to the size of th e country's aviation industry (NHS and AGS). However, 
foreign investors can partner with any of the two companies.  
VI. Passenger 
and Freight 
Forwarding 
information  Services are provided by a state enterprise, 100% owned by government (CAAZ).  
VII. Aviation 
Fuel No restrictions.  
Like any other fuel company, they are regulated by the Ministry of Energy. The 
Authority only provides concession to operate at the airport.  
VIII.  Computer 
Reservation 
Systems  No restrictions.  
The currently the only two service providers, Amadeus CRS and Galileo CRS are 
outsourced (foreign owned) and regulated by IATA  
 
Question 18  
What is Zimbabwe's perspective concerning the rising trade protectionism globally?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe believes in the Multilateral Trading System and urges all fellow WTO members to adhere 
to the rules developed through the system.  
Question 19  
What are Zimbabwe's main positions and propositions in the WTO reform?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe identifies the following issues that it wants addressed  if the WTO is to be strengthened in 
a balanced manner.  
 
1. Preserving Core Principles of the Multilateral Trading System  
Recent actions by some WTO Members indicate a weakening of commitment to the multilateral 
trading system. Preserving and strengthening th e WTO must include:  
First, laws and regulations of WTO members which mandate unilateral action on trade issues that 
are inconsistent with WTO rules would need to be amended. This will ensure that WTO Members are 
not perpetually under threat of unilateral action on trade issue s by some members.  
Second, the following rules in the Marrakesh Agreement are fundamental and must be respected:  
a. Articles II and III on the multilateral functions of the WTO  
b. Article IX on the continuation of the practice of decision -making by consensus  
c. Article X – when there are amendments (additions or changes) to WTO rules, there 
must be consensus, followed by ratification by Members. New rules enter into force only 
when the ratification numbers required have been attained.  
Third, multilateral avenues, based on consensus, remain the most effective means to achieve 
inclusive development -oriented outcomes. In the post -MC 11 phase, many Members have evinced 
interest in pursuing outcomes in some areas through joint plurilateral initiatives (JPIs). Provisions  
governing plurilateral agreements in the Marrakesh Agreement must be adhered to. If they are to 
be multilateral agreements, the outcomes of these initiatives, by way of new rules, can only be 
introduced into the WTO when there is consensus; and Art X of t he Marrakesh Agreement on 
amendments must govern any changes or additions to the WTO Agreement. The JPIs must not 
change the fundamental multilateral architecture of WTO.  
Fourth, there is a need to build on the work done so far in negotiations, in accordan ce with existing 
mandates as elaborated in Section 4.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  2. Resolving the Dispute Settlement Issues  
A functioning, independent and effective dispute settlement system is indispensable for preserving 
the rights and obligations of all WTO Members and for ensuring that the rules are enforced in a fair 
and even -handed manner. Without such a system there woul d be no incentive to negotiate new 
rules or to undertake reforms. Therefore, resolution of the Appellate Body (AB) impasse needs to 
precede other reforms.  
As per Articles 17.1 and 17.2 of the DSU, all WTO Members have a collective duty to ensure the 
maint enance of a standing Appellate Body comprising of seven members. It would be disingenuous 
to use the pretext of the Appellate Body's alleged digression from the clear mandate of the DSU to 
justify wilful non -compliance with the same by the Membership  
Attem pts at addressing the crisis in the Dispute Settlement Mechanism must preserve its essential 
features namely an independent, two -tier dispute settlement system, automaticity in the launch of 
proceedings and  decision -making by the Dispute Settlement Body (D SB) by negative consensus, 
where provided. Developing Members' concerns about affordability and equitable access to the use 
of the DSB are also very important.  
3. Safeguarding Development Concerns  
Special and Differential Treatment (S&D) is a treaty -embedded  and non -negotiable right for all 
developing Members. The available data indicates that the gap in the standards of living between 
developing and developed countries has not narrowed to any significant extent since the 
establishment of WTO.4 This necessit ates the preservation and strengthening of the S&D provisions 
in both current and future WTO agreements, with priority to outstanding LDC issues.  
The multilateral trading system must give policy space for developing Members to fulfil their 
development goa ls including industrialisation. Developing Members continue to confront many 
formidable challenges, which underscores the continued relevance of S&DT provisions in their favour.  
The long -awaited outstanding 'development' issues from the Doha Round continue  to be paramount 
and include:  
• Implementation Issues5 – aimed at rebalancing the imbalanced rules from the Uruguay 
Round such as in the areas of agriculture, TRIMS (Trade Related Investment Measures), 
TRIPS (Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights), Sub sidies Agreement6 etc.  
• Special and Differential Treatment (S&D) – strengthening and making effective and 
operational the S&D provisions in WTO Agreements, in accordance with para 44 of the 
Doha Declaration.  
• Cotton – the imbalances in Agriculture Domestic  Support due to AMS beyond de -minimis 
show up clearly in the area of cotton, where cotton prices have been depressed because 
of the exports of subsidised cotton by some. This has impacted negatively on rural 
livelihoods and employment across many developin g countries including the 
C4 Members.  
• Public Stockholding (PSH) – a permanent solution must be agreed upon and adopted. 
The General Council Decision of 27 November 2014 (WT/L/939) says that 'If a 
permanent solution for the issue of PSH is not agreed and ad opted by the 11th Ministerial 
Conference, the mechanism… shall continue to be in place until a permanent solution is 
agreed and adopted'.   
• Special Safeguard Mechanism – Ministers in Nairobi (MC10, 2015) mandated Members 
'To pursue negotiations on an SSM for developing country Members in dedicated 
sessions of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session'.  
 
4 See WT/GC/W/765/Rev.2 . 
5 Developing countries ' requests are contained in the Implementation issues agenda or Para 12 of the 
Doha Declaration, WT/MIN(01)/DEC/1 . 
6 See Para 5.8 of the deve loping country submission WT/GC/W/765/Rev.2 . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 26 - 
 
  • Agriculture Domestic Supports – to rectify the imbalances in the existing rules due to 
some //Members having Aggregate Measures of Support (AMS) entit lements whilst 
others do not. Subsidies by OECD countries amounting to the billions continue to have 
serious implications on food insecurity and rural poverty in developing countries.7 
In addition to the issues mentioned above, work should also continue o n the following issues 
emphasizing the development components and in accordance with existing mandates:  
• Fisheries Subsidies – in accordance with the Doha, Hong Kong and MC11 Ministerial 
Declarations. All of these emphasize the importance of S&D in the outc ome of these 
negotiations because of the 'importance of this sector to development priorities, poverty 
reduction, and livelihood and food security concerns.8 SDG 14.6 also reinforces S&D.  
• Discussions under the 1998 E -Commerce Work Programme in the relevan t WTO bodies.9 
Another issue that must be addressed in any reform process relates to alleged theft of traditional 
knowledge that is held, preserved and developed by traditional communities/indigenous people. The 
rules of the multilateral trading system mu st also support developing countries in building their 
technological capacities, and their access to affordable medicines and medical technologies.  
The SDGs articulate important development challenges still confronting developing countries, 
including overcoming poverty and hunger. WTO rules must be supportive, rather than a constraint 
to these efforts.  
4. Transparency and notifications  
Developing countr ies face challenges in complying with all their notification obligations due to human 
resource and institutional capacity constraints. Any non -compliance is not willful. Treaty obligations 
must be performed in good faith. Yet despite the best of intentions , the ability to fulfill all notification 
obligations inevitably depends on capacities that are commensurate with a Member's level of 
development and resources available. In light of these difficulties, we do not agree to additional 
transparency obligation s. Any work in this area must be in the provision of capacity building to 
developing countries. Developed Members should also lead by example in submitting 
comprehensive, timely and accurate notifications.  
Some Members have found innovative ways to undermi ne their WTO commitments, or not 
implement the spirit of those commitments. If the discussion on Transparency goes beyond 
addressing capacity issues, the first step must tackle the undermining of WTO commitments 
through:  
• Regular notification of entry -related measures affecting Mode 4 commitments of 
Members  
• Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. Developed countries have a legal obligation in the 
area of technology transfer towards LDCs. More transparency would be supportive of 
LDCs' efforts to build a viable technological base  
• Disclosure of origin of traditional knowledge and genetic resources in patent applications  
• notifications on measures such as imposing import tariffs on the grounds of national 
security exceptions.  
Transparency must also permeate the enti re functioning of the WTO including:  
 
7 See Graph 5 of WT/GC/W/765/Rev.2 for a comparison of agriculture subsidies between some 
developed and developing Members.  
8 WT/MIN(05)/DEC 2005 ‘Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration ', Annex D para 9.  
9 WT/L/274 1998 ‘Work Programme on Electronic Commerce ' adopted by the General Council on 25 
September 1998.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 27 - 
 
  • making important the resource constraints of small delegations and thus rationalizing 
meetings at the WTO so that there are no overlaps;  
• Ministerial Conferences (MCs) and the processes preceding them in Geneva. The basic 
principles and procedures for this  Member -driven organization need to be agreed upon. 
For instance, all meetings in the MC, which is the body for decision -making, should be 
open to all Members without restricting the decision -making process to smaller Green 
Rooms.  
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FRO M CHINA  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
Page 91(Para.  4.54)  
Zimbabwe's mining fees and charges were last revised in 2016 and, since June 2019, are payable 
in the local currency. Fees include an environment fee of 2% of gross revenues. N ew projects require 
an environmental impact assessment (EIA). EIA fees range from 0.8% to 1.2% of the project cost, 
depending on the environmental impact, with the costs including only components that affect the 
environment. Fees are capped at USD 2 millio n. 
 
Question 1  
Please elaborate on the content of the EIA of mining projects  
 
Answer  
Apart from executive summary and introduction, the major components of the Environmental Impact 
Assessment include;  
 
• Project location description,  
• Detailed project description,  
• Baseline environmental setting,  
• Legal framework to be complied with by the project,  
• Impact identification and analysis,  
• Impact mitigation measures ( applying the impact management hierarchy)  
• Environmental management plan (including monitoring and implementing agents for 
each identified impact),  
• Rehabilitation plan  
• Decommissioning plan  
• Appendices (siting of works plan, process flow diagrams, proof of mine registration, 
project costs breakdow n, other permits from other monitoring Agencies),  
• Stakeholder consultations.  
Question 2  
Please specify the regulations and standards related to ecological environment protection 
that foreign investors need to follow when investing in mining projects in Zi mbabwe  
 
Answer:  
• Environmental Management Act Chapter 20:27  
• S I 7 of 2007 – EIA and Ecosystems Protection Regulations  
• S I 6 of 2007 – Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal  
• S I 92 of 2014 – Control of Alluvial Mining  
• S I 258 of 2018 – Control of Alluvial Mining  (Amendment)  
• S I 268 of 2018 – Control of Hazardous Substances  
• S I 72 of 2018 – Atmospheric Pollution Control  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 29 - 
 
  • SI 10 of 2010 - Hazardous Waste Regulations  
Question3  
Please elaborate on how to establish a quantitative linkage between the criteria of the 
EIA fees and the EIA  
 
Answer   
The EIA review fees are determined at 1.2% of the project cost. Project cost defined as investment 
costs of the project. The cost of EIA fees therefore is depended on the scale of the project. Mining 
projects are classified in Category D as high impact projects which need regular monitoring on a 
more frequent basis than other less impact projects. The EIA fees will therefore be used for costs 
associated with EIA reviews from desk studies, field visits, sample colle ction and analysis, 
engagement of external experts for specialist studies. The EIA fees also cover cost associated with 
project monitoring during the whole life cycle of the project. All projects issued with EIA certificates 
are subjected to biannual audit s during the whole life cycle of the project. Mining is associated with 
residual impacts that continue to be realised even after decommissioning hence the need for 
monitoring. During monitoring, sample collection and analysis is also done to determine the quality 
of waste emanating from the mining operations and the cost of monitoring is borne by the Agency.  
 
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
Page 10 (Para.  6.1) 
 
6.1. Agriculture remains a major driver of growth, and is projected to expand by 5% in 2020, on the 
back of increased public/private sector investment in the sector. Government is also embracing 
Climate Smart Agriculture  (CSA) which harmonises agriculture development with environment 
protection and reduction in vulnerabilities to cl imate change. In line with this thrust, emphasis will 
be on better planning, shared financing burden between government and private players, 
productivity which also relies on irrigation and marketing systems which guarantee farmer viability. 
Irrigation dev elopment is receiving top priority in order to guarantee food security in the country. 
Government will, therefore, target enough irrigable hectarage for support to guarantee grain 
production of around 1.8  million tonnes, enough for human and livestock cons umption. For this 
purpose, capable farmers with irrigation facilities will be identified with a view of contracting and 
supporting them to produce required grains specifically for food security.  
 
Question 4  
Please elaborate on the implementation of Climate  Smart Agriculture (CSA)  in Zimbabwe. 
For instance, what measures have been adopted to balance the relationship between 
agricultural development and environmental protection against climate change? What 
kind of performance evaluation system has been put in  place?  
 
Page 16 (Para.  8.1) 
 
Response  
Against a backdrop of securing national food security and projections that all production systems 
are expected to be somewhat negatively affected by climate change, the adoption of Climate -Smart 
Agriculture (CSA) as a n agricultural adaptation and mitigation strategy is increasingly becoming 
important.  
Broader CSA practices in the country incorporate research, development, advocacy and training 
involving germplasm selection (i.e. breeding, introduction and seed multipli cation of drought tolerant 
crops and animals), diversification of crop and animal production, and promotion of organic farming. 
Water harvesting and efficient irrigation (particularly drip) are key adaptation practices for a variety 
of crops, especially fo r winter crops, fruits and vegetables which can also have an impact on incomes 
and nutrition. Soil management based practices such as precise fertilizer application, microdosing, 
manure application, agroforestry, crop rotations and intercropping, along wit h soil conservation 
structures (e.g. check dams) are practiced within the broader watershed management framework 
and are critical in enhancing and maintaining soil health.  
Off-farm services for climate -smart agriculture include weather index -based crop and  livestock 
insurance as well as climate information services for smallholder farmers. For example, the 
Ecofarmer program provides micro -insurance to smallholders to insure inputs and crops against 
drought or excessive rainfall, while also providing market and weather information to participating 
farmers who pay for the services using their prepaid mobile phone sim -cards.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 30 - 
 
  In terms of adoption drivers and incentives; access to information (including a well -trained extension 
system), finance for smallholder i nvestments in CSA equipment, availability of output markets (for 
example for intercropped legumes) and availability of inputs (including labor saving technologies) 
on the local market would play an important role in encouraging sustained adoption of the CS A 
technologies and practices indicated above.  
• Conservation agriculture is the most widely promoted CSA practice (over 100,000 farmers 
practicing on over 125,000 hectares). The government along with various stakeholders have worked 
together to promote th is farming practice primarily among smallholder communal farmers, mostly 
in the drier agro -ecological region IV and V. A key driver for adoption of CA was the provision of 
training and free (or subsidized) inputs. For example, programmes like the European Union and 
DFID funded Protracted Relief Programme (PRP) targeted almost 130,000 farmers for CA training 
and support. Sustained adoption of CA is however limited by the availability of labor -saving 
technologies for planting and weeding, although labor savin g machinery such as oxdrawn rippers 
and two wheel tractor based direct seeders have been tested. Additionally, due to limited grazing 
land in many communal areas, crop residues (required for mulching under CA) are prioritized for 
animal feed.  
Other CSA activities that have potential for scaling up and out include seed multiplication of drought 
tolerant crops, small scale irrigation, and agroforestry. Efforts are needed to reduce the frequency 
of veldt fires through improved savanna and grasslan d management. Soil based CSA practices such 
as precise fertilizer application, manure application, agroforestry, crop rotations and intercropping, 
along with soil conservation structures are also important.  
•For livestock production, the main climate -smart practices include fodder management and 
conservation, water harvesting and manure management including biogas production. Rearing of 
small livestock (such as goats) is also increasingly common as an adaptation strategy. However, 
animal health management,  improved breeds and improved feed have the most potential to enhance 
resilience in the sector.  
Agroforestry for both crop and livestock enterprises in the smallholder farming sector has been 
promoted across the country. Various national research stations are propagating seedlings for 
agroforestry particularly from the African acacia species (Acacia Albida).  
 
In the livestock sector provision of good quality feed, to reduce methane emissions, compared to 
dry and nonnutritious veld feed, while water harvesti ng and manure management including biogas 
production are important CSA practices. A challenge for some manure based technologies and 
practices include difficulty in manure collection and limited amounts of manure. Rearing of small 
ruminants (goats, sheep),  particularly in regions IV and V, is also promoted as they are more robust 
to adverse weather and emit less emissions compared to cattle. Use of improved breeds and 
improved livestock health management can also contribute to resilience and improved effici ency in 
the sector.  
The Agriculture Recovery Plan is adopting the CSA approach to spearheading agricultural 
development whilst protecting the environment. Evaluation of progress will be done in 2021 to 
establish the baseline. In response, the Government of  Zimbabwe, with the assistance of the World 
Bank, developed the Climate Smart Agriculture Investment Plan (CSAIP) and Climate Smart 
Agriculture Manual which is being implemented by Agricultural Colleges around the country. The 
CSAIP identifies and prioriti zes packages of CSA investments and policy actions that will support 
improvement across three key CSA pillars, namely the achievement of a more productive, resilient, 
and low -emissions agricultural sector.  
The CSAIP develops five high priority recommended  investment packages, which collectively 
encompass the key Zimbabwean agricultural subsectors and would advance CSA goals identified by 
stakeholders:  
Package A:  Enhanced Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System. This package would build the 
capacity of the research and extension system, as well as invest in innovation platforms. Building 
extension systems will include investments in information communication technology systems 
supporting the dissemination and adoption of climate resilient production practices. The package 
would focus on small -holder farmers in Agro -ecological Regions III -V, with an emphasis on Regions 
IV and V, where 75% of these farmers are l ocated.  
Package B:  Sustainable Livelihoods through Diversified Livestock Systems. This set of investments 
would help secure the livelihoods of small -holder farmers in southern Zimbabwe through increased 
livestock productivity and promotion of diversified production systems. Investments would be in 
improved feeding systems, climate resilient breeding programs that target indigenous and small 
cattle breeds, and commercialization of existing livestock production systems. Programs would 
target disease and pest  screening, improved animal husbandry and health, and encourage farmers 
to switch from cattle to more heat resilient livestock like goats and sheep.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Package C.  Water Harvesting for Resilient Crop and Livestock Production. This package would 
promote water harvesting to enhance resilient crop and livestock production. It will secure water for 
livestock and support sustainable soil and water conservation through in situ water harvesting, 
Conservation Agriculture and small -scale infrastructure. Investments wou ld focus on small -holder 
farmers in Agro -ecological Regions III -V, areas characterized by low and erratic rainfall. Benefits of 
this program would include improved water availability resulting in increased crop and livestock 
productivity and food and nutri tion security, as well as catchment protection.  
Package D.  Women - and Youth -Focused Value Chain Development. This package would increase 
productivity and resilience of women - and youth -run smallholder farms in peri -urban and urban crop 
and livestock value  chains. Investments would focus on organic vegetable and poultry production, 
and potentially goats, promoting sustainable financial inclusion mechanisms that provide affordable 
access to financing for inputs, and women - and youth -oriented production and m arketing networks 
including women - and youth -sensitive extension services. These would generate increased 
production and productivity of poultry and high value vegetables, reduced emissions through higher 
quality feed, and higher income security for these vulnerable populations.  
 
CSA Strategies adopted include the following:  
i. Promotion of production of drought tolerant crops  
Drought and heat tolerant crop varieties represent a relatively inexpensive CSA option for farmers, 
with estimated yield increases of 3-12% across all crops evaluated.  
ii. Irrigation  development   
Irrigation alone increases yields by 50 -140%, assuming the high initial capital cost required can be 
raised and the necessary water harvesting infrastructure is in place.  
iii. Conservation Agriculture (CA)  
iv. Improve fodder (50% velvet beans)  
v. Switch to goats  
vi. Water Harvesting for Resilient Crop and Livestock Production  
Invest in soil and water conservation techniques as part of integrated catchment management that  
incorporates water, land and environment se ctors.  
• Invest in in situ water harvesting (e.g. enhanced soil water retention) that improves and 
complements Conservation Agriculture practices. These practices include mulching, limited or zero 
till agriculture, crop rotations, agroforestry approaches,  or other practices that enhance water 
retention in the soil.   
• Invest in small scale water infrastructure for supplementary irrigation, livestock watering and 
domestic water.  
• Invest in building the capacity of extension workers and farmers in sustaina ble water harvesting.  
Invest in innovation platforms based on strong public, private and civil society service partnerships 
to facilitate farmers adopting climate resilient crop production practices incorporating: 1) drought 
and heat tolerant varieties; 2 ) crop substitution and or diversification (e.g. replacing maize with 
small grains such as sorghum); and 3) efficient agronomic practices (e.g. sowing dates, plant 
populations, crop protection, fertilizer management).  
vii. Crop diversification  
viii. Agro' -forestry  
ix. Women - and Youth -focused Value Chain Development  
8.1. Zimbabwe has abundant investment opportunities in state enterprises and parastatals, 
including in key enabler entities providing infrastructure and utility services, ranging from power, 
transport, ICT, mining, agriculture and financial services.  
 
Question 5  
Please specify the laws and regulations related to environment protection that foreign 
investors need to follow when investing in infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe.  
Infrastructure pro jects are prescribed activities in terms of the law and therefore need an EIA to be 
conducted before they are implemented. Projects include highways, airport facilities, new railway 
routes and branch lines, new towns or townships and industrial sites for m edium and heavy industry.  
The EIA report should contain the following information;  
• Project location description,  
• Detailed project description,  
• Baseline environmental setting,  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 32 - 
 
  • Legal framework to be complied with by the project,  
• Impact identification an d analysis,  
• Impact mitigation measures ( applying the impact management hierarchy)  
• Environmental management plan (including monitoring and implementing agents for 
each identified impact),  
• Rehabilitation plan  
• Decommissioning plan  
• Appendices (process flo w diagrams, project costs breakdown, other permits from other 
monitoring Agencies),  
• Stakeholder consultations.  
The cost of the EIA fees range from 0.8% to 1.2% depending on the severity and complexity of 
anticipated impacts from the particular infrastruct ure development. The EIA fees will therefore be 
used for costs associated with EIA reviews and monitoring throughout the project's lifespan  
The following regulations govern environmental protection in infrastructure projects;  
• Environmental Management Act C hapter 20:27  
• S I 7 of 2007 – EIA and Ecosystems Protection Regulations  
• S I 6 of 2007 – Effluent and Solid Waste Disposal  
• S I 268 of 2018 – Control of Hazardous Substances  
• S I 72 of 2018 – Atmospheric Pollution Control  
• SI 10 of 2010 - Hazardous Waste Regulations  
NB The regulations are available on the website www.ema.co.zw   
Page 16 (Para.  9.2) 
Zimbabwe is currently developing the National Quality Policy which will promote the development 
and sustenance of quality infrastructure in the country. Zimbabwe is also finalising the Compulsory 
Specifications Bill that seeks to outlaw importation and distribution of sub -standard products. This 
will also make adherence to currently voluntary standards that are pertin ent to human health and 
the environment, compulsory.  
 
Question 6 
Please specify the aforementioned "voluntary standards" in this paragraph.  
 
Page 18 (Para.  11.3)  
As trade facilitation initiatives, measures which have been implemented include risk manageme nt, 
pre-clearance facility, use of scanners, post -importation audits and verifications, introduction of dog 
detector unit, e -payment platforms, automation of customs processes (including e -Temporary 
Import Permits for motor vehicles), Authorised Economic O perator program, and electronic licensing 
of clearing agents/brokers. A One Stop Border Post at Chirundu with Zambia, which was officially 
opened on the 5th December 2005 by the Heads of State of the two countries.  
 
Response  
The voluntary standards referr ed to are international standards that have been developed by 
consensus through a multi -stakeholder process. This standards are based on global expert opinion, 
are responsive to market needs and take into account issues related to the WTO TBT and SPS 
Agree ments. The voluntary standards to be utilized are pertinent to safety, human health and the 
environment and may include Codex Alimentarius, OIML guidelines, OIE standards, etc.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 33 - 
 
   
Question 7 
Please elaborate on the effectiveness of the mentioned trade facili tation measures.  
 
Page 19  (Para.  12.7)  
 
Response  
The trade facilitation intervention that have been implemented have gone a long way in reducing 
the turnaround time of clearance at ports of entry. An example is goods at Chirundu One Stop Border 
Post which reduced from 2 -3 days to a few hours the reduction in clearance times of commercial 
due to the bilateral harmonized approach to clearances. There was also a substantial reduction in 
the clearance time for private traffic since they were only required  to stop once to fulfil clearance 
obligations for both countries.  It has been estimated that the savings from reduced border delays 
could be as high as US$600,000.00 per day  
 
In line with the emergence of regional and global value chains Government has identified and 
prioritised the following sectors; tourism, horticulture, leather and leather products, food and 
beverages, textiles and clothing, wood and furniture, arts and crafts, as well as mineral beneficiation 
and trade in services.  
 
Question 8 
Please elaborate on the trade facilitation measures adopted in the prioritised sectors.  
 
Response  
There are no specific facilitation measures that have been put in place for these prioritized sectors. 
However, fiscal incentives and duty concessio ns have been put in place to initiate growth in these 
sectors  
 
Page 19  (Para.  12.8)  
As part of the export -led industrialization and trade policy, Special Economic Zones are intended to 
address slow growth in FDI, disinvestment, decline in export growth and  export earnings, and job 
losses. Government has already identified areas for SEZ development and incentives are being 
offered to attract local and foreign investment into the SEZs. Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) will 
be adopted to support the developm ent of necessary infrastructure in the zones.  
 
Question 9 
Please elaborate on the advantages of the export -led industrialisation and trade policy 
adopted in the Special Economic Zones.  
 
Answer  
The GOZ adopted the Special Economic Zone measures through SEZ Act Chapter 14:34 which was 
later replaced by the ZIDA Act Chapter 14:37. The advantages of having SEZs are to;  
 
a. Promote export led industrial growth  
b. Foreign exchange generation  
c. Create employm ent 
d. Promote value addition and beneficiation  
e. Attraction of Foreign Direct Investment  
f. Promote technology transfer and innovation  
g. Promote skills transfer  
h. Exploitation of Natural Resources  
The SEZ concept is one of the many tools being used by Government to support and promote 
development of exporting industries through granting of fiscal incentives. The fiscal incentives 
include the following:  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 34 - 
 
   
• Zero Corporate Income Tax for the first 5years of operation with a corporate tax rate of 
15% applying  thereafter.  
• Duty free importation of Capital equipment  
• Inputs which include raw materials and intermediate products imported for use by 
companies set up in the SEZs be imported duty free. The duty exemption will, however, 
not apply where such raw material s are produced locally.  
• Exemption from Non -residents tax on Dividends  
• An exemption from Non -residents tax on Royalties.  
• Specialised expatriate staff will be taxed at a flat rate of 15%.  
• Exemption from Non -residents tax on Fees on services that are not loca lly available.  
• Special Initial allowance on capital equipment to be allowed at the rate of 50% of cost 
from year one and 25% in the subsequent two years.  
Page 23(Para.  13.6)  
 
The Government of Zimbabwe has been reviewing the existing Bilateral Trade Agreem ents with a 
view to assess their relevance and to accommodate developments at the national, regional and 
multilateral trading systems. Some of the agreements have proved to be deficient in respect of areas 
such as rules of origin and other trade support me chanisms to facilitate trade and foster economic 
co-operation.  
 
Question 1 0 
Is there any corresponding improvement plan for the inefficient provisions in the existing 
bilateral trade agreements? If yes, please specify the details.  
Zimbabwe entered into Bil ateral Trade Agreements encompassing both Preferential Trade 
Agreements (PTAs) and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) with over forty countries across the globe. It 
has been noted that there has been insignificant trade between Zimbabwe and most of the partner 
countries on the basis of MFN Trade agreements. In light of this, Zimbabwe will be undertaking a 
review of all the bilateral trade agreements to assess whether they are still viable.  
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  EUROPEAN UNION  
GOVERNMENT'S REPORT  
2. Economic environment:  
Page 4, Table 2.1 Key economic indicators, 2015 – 2019 
The table shows that Capital investment as a % of tax revenue rose from 30% in 2017 to 51.1% in 
2018 before declining to 39.9% in 2019. This suggests significant investments in capital projects.  
 
Question 1  
Can Zimbabwe shed light on some of the key capital projects that they have been 
undertaken and in which sectors?  
 
Answer  
In the context of Zimbabwe, the Capital Budget includes funding for hard infrastructure projects 
such as roads, dams, water and sanitation health and education, among others. Additionally, the 
Capital Budget includes funding for non -infrastructure items co vering procurement of grain, including 
its handling and storage, agriculture input schemes, capitalisation of public entities, procurement of 
vehicles and furniture.  
 
In this regard, between 2017 and 2019 total capital investments which are higher that ac tual 
development expenditures as percentage of revenues are as indicated in the table below.  
 
Year 2017  2018  2019  
Total Revenue  3,700  5,491  21,000  
Total Capital Expenditure  520 2,675  8,468  
 Of which agriculture related expenditure  214.5  1,068  3,640  
Actual Development Expenditure  199 496 2,550  
% of Total Capital Expenditure to Revenue  14% 49% 40% 
% of Actual Development Expenditure to 
Revenue  5% 19% 30% 
 
As shown in the table above, total capital investments and actual development expenditures as 
percentage of revenues increased between 2017 and 2018, but trend changed in 2019 which saw a 
marked increase in actual development expenditure and a decrease in overall capital investments 
as percentage of revenues. On note is the huge expenditures on agriculture related items mainly on 
grain procurement as crop input support schemes as these years were occasioned by drought. 
Government therefore, had to channel r esources towards grain importation and capacitation of 
farmers to increase production.  
 
The beneficiaries of these development expenditures over the last 3 years in terms of sectors include 
transport, water and sanitation, agriculture, housing, ICT, educa tion and health. In the transport 
sector, most projects under implementation include road and bridge construction with whilst the 
water and sanitation sector project include dam and water supplies and rehabilitation and upgrading 
of water and sewer infrast ructure for rural and urban settlements .  
 
With regards to agriculture, priority has been mainly of construction and rehabilitation of irrigation 
schemes. Projects under housing sector include mainly construction and rehabilitation of institutional 
buildin gs. 
In the health and education sectors, focus has been on construction of and rehabilitation of schools, 
tertiary education projects including halls of residence and learning facilities as well as provincial, 
central and district hospital including rural health centres.   
ICT project have been mainly targeted at automation of Government departments.  
Page 5, paragraph 2.4  
The report states that the "country's reserve adequacy, in the form of months of imports is low …". 
It goes further to say that, "Governm ent is in the process putting in place measures to build -up 
reserves …"  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Question 2  
Can Zimbabwe shed light on what these measures are?  
Answer  
In order to build reserves, the Government is putting in place measures to boost foreign currency 
earnings through and including export promotion, promoting value addition and diversification as 
well as import compression measures to reduce the demand for foreign currency. Once the foreign 
currency generation capacity improves the country will be able to start building reserves.  
 
3. Vision 2030 agenda:  
Page 6, paragraph 3.9 Current Account Improvement  
The report says, "Following the introduction of the loc al currency, the country's Current Account has 
improved from minus USD 1.4 billion in 2018, to minus USD 323 million in 2019."  
 
Question 3  
Is it not the case that the improvement in the current account is driven more by the 
inability of industries to impo rt essential inputs needed by industry due to the shortage 
of foreign currency coupled with the import restriction measures which were adopted by 
the authorities?  
 
Answer  
The estimated improvement in the current account realised in 2019 was on account of:   
i. A significant drop in merchandise imports of 32.1% in 2019, while merchandise exports 
registered a marginal decline of 0.3%, culminated in a trade surplus of USD  174.4 
million. The significant contraction in merchandise imports was largely due to lack of  
foreign currency and import compression measures implemented by the Government; 
and 
ii. A strong positive secondary income balance, which closed the year at USD  1,390.7 
million mainly on account of Diaspora remittances, which stood at to USD  921.7 million.  
iii. Notwithstanding the impact of foreign currency shortages, the narrowing of trade deficit 
is to a greater extent a reflection of the improved competi tiveness that came with the 
introduction of local currency, and partly the effect of import compression measur es 
undertaken by Government.  
8. Investment environment and policy:  
Page 16, section 8, paragraphs  8.1, 8.2 and 8.7:  
 
The report by the Government refers to the abundant investment opportunities in state enterprises 
and parastatals and the little development impact on the economy from the pursuit of natural 
resource -seeking investments. Then, the report mentions Zimbabwe's National Investment Policy 
that seeks to increase private sector investment to upwards of 25% of GDP by 2030 by restoring 
and s ustaining investor confidence though guarantees over investment protection, policy consistency 
and transparency throughout the entire investment management cycle.  
 
Question 4  
a. Could Zimbabwe inform the EU of whether its intention is to offer shares of 
these state owned enterprises (SOE) to private funds, or proceed to the 
privatisation of some SOEs? If yes, could Zimbabwe explain its plan with 
regard to the sectors concerned in particular given its objective to increase 
private sector investment to upwa rds of 25% of GDP by 2030?  
Answer  
In 2018, the second Republic of Zimbabwe approved a State Enterprises Reform Framework  
which identified 43 State Enterprises and Parastatals for reforms. The identified state owned 
enterprises (SOEs) identified for reforms  were categorised specific reform strategies which are 
privatisation, merging, unbundling, departmentalisation and performance reviews.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 37 - 
 
  The shares of SOEs identified for privatisation will be offered to foreign and/or domestic investors, 
in which, the ul timate investor will be selected through a competitive bidding process. Competitive 
bidding process grants equal opportunities to both domestic and foreign investors to invest in SOEs.  
 
Technical Committees which comprise of Government departments chaired by responsible line 
ministries leads the implementation of privatisation of SOEs. The Technical Committees are advised 
by Independent Transactional Advisors selected through competitive bidding procedures in line with 
the Public Procurement Legislation. Th e engagement of Transactional Advisors shows Government 's 
commitment in professionalising the privatisation process.  
 
The privatisation will increase private sector investment/participation in all sectors in which SOEs 
are present. The SOEs identified for  privatisation are in the following sectors:  
 
Telecommunications & Postal Services Sector  
• Tel-One (Private) Limited  
• Net-One(Private) Limited  
• ZIMPOST (Private) Limited  
Financial Services Sector  
• Agribank (Private) Limited  
• People 's Own Savings Bank(POSB)  
• Infrastructure Development Bank Of Zimbabwe (IDBZ)  
Transport sector  
• Zimbabwe Passengers Company (Private) Limited (ZUPCO)  
Mining sector  
• Subsidiaries of Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation  
Manufacturing sector  
• Subsidiaries of Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ)  
Forestry and Timber Sector  
• Allied Timbers (Private) Limited  
Energy and Fuel Sector  
• Petrotrade (Private) Limited  
b. Could Zimbabwe mention concrete measures, in respect of e.g. investor's 
confidence, policy consiste ncy and transparency, taken by to date as well as 
in the future by providing a comprehensive timeframe?  
Measures Specific to Privatisation (Transparency)  
Independent transactional Advisors identified through competitive bidding as provided in the Public 
Procurement Legislation would advise the implementation of privatisation transactions. The Adverts 
for procuring Transaction Advisors were open to both domestic and international consulting firms in 
line with principle of transparency.  
 
The Investors are bei ng identified through the competitive bidding process to ensure transparency 
and equal opportunities to all potential investors.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Investment guarantees are provided for in Part III of the Zimbabwe Investment and 
Development Agency Act. Investors are guaran teed of the following:  
 
Freedom of Investment  
Investors can invest freely in any of the economic sectors of Zimbabwe in the same form and under 
the same conditions as defined for local individuals under the same applicable laws and regulations.  
 
Non discrimination between domestic and foreign investm ent and among foreign 
investors  
Investors shall be accorded treatment that is no less favourable than that it accords, in like 
circumstances to domestic investors. The same treatment shall be accorded to foreign investors 
regardless of their origin.  
 
Emplo yment of senior expatriate staff  
An investor may appoint any individual as a senior manager regardless of their nationality in respect 
to the investment made on Zimbabwe.  
 
Fair and equitable treatment  
Guarantee against expropriation  
The Government shall not expropriate or cause to be nationalized any investment and neither shall 
it compel an investor to cede an investment to another person. This can only be done if its for public 
purpose in an non -discriminatory manner and on payment of prompt, adequate a nd effective 
compensation. The compensations will be equivalent to the fair market value of the expropriated 
investment immediately before the expropriation took place.  
 
Transparency  
The Government is obligated to made publicly available in a timely manne r all laws, regulations, 
procedures and administrative rulings that have an impact on investment.  
Transfer of Funds  
Investors are guaranteed the transfer of funds in a freely convertible currency into and outside 
Zimbabwe. The funds include capital, cont ractual obligations, profits and dividends and earning and 
other remuneration among others. Delay and or prevention of the transfer of funds may be allowed 
only in cases of bankruptcy, criminal offences or when they are investigations by the law 
enforcemen t agencies.  
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Act will bring confidence to investors as it 
streamlines the processes of investing in the country. The creation of a One Stop Investment 
Services Centre will cut the bureaucracy, inhibit corrupti on and deter the rent seeking conduct of 
government authorities. The Act further provides guarantees and security of investments and gives 
the Government the obligation to be transparent in all its handling and processing of investment.  
The Government sha ll publicly disseminate all and any laws, regulations, statutory instruments that 
govern investment in a timely manner. The Agency shall have an online presence and all the 
procedures and processes to be taken by the investor from inception to implementati on of the 
investment will be outlined as well as the prescribed fees.  
The Agency will have an Advisory board that will comprise seasoned, qualified and internationally 
experienced individuals in investment, private equity and Government projects.  
 
Measure s Specific to SOE Sector (Confidence by separation of Ownership Function from 
Policy & Regulatory Functions)  
The decision for the review of ownership model from decentralised ownership to centralised 
ownership as informed by a study by a Consultant would level the playing field between SOEs and 
private entities. The centralised ownership model allows government t o separate its ownership 
function from Regulatory and Policy Function. Line ministries will be left with Regulatory and Policy 
function and a professional entity will be granted the ownership function of Government. That would WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 39 - 
 
  remove potential conflict of interests by line ministries between their policy & regulatory function 
and their ownership function in line with international developments.  
 
11. Institutional and structural reforms:  
 
Page 18, section 11.3, paragraph  11.6 
 
The report by the Government informs of the efforts to reform SOEs and the reform framework for 
43 state enterprises and parastatals.  
 
Question 5  
Could Zimbabwe mention the 43 state enterprises and parastatals and provide details 
about the undertaken refo rms or reforms to be undertaken in the future and at which 
timeframe?  
 
Answer  
State Enterprises Reform Framework approved SOE reform measures which includes the following:  
Review of the SOEs Ownership Model  
Government approved the study that would inform t he review of the SOE Ownership Model from a 
decentralised to possibly a centralised ownership model. The centralised ownership model involves 
housing of all commercial enterprises under a Professional Body and allows line ministries to 
concentrate on their  policy functions and regulatory functions. The Ownership of Government will be 
done under a single entity.  
 
A consultant to review the ownership model was engaged and is being funded through Africa 
Development Bank facility. The Consultant engaged is a So uth African firm called Rebel Group. The 
results of the ownership study will presented to Government for consideration and adoption by 
May 2020.  
 
Specific SOEs Reform Strategies  
The State Enterprises Reform Framework also identified SOEs under following sp ecific reform a 
strategies:  
• SOEs identified for privatisation.  
• SOEs identified for Unbundling.  
• SOEs identified for mergers.  
• SOEs identified for departmentalisation.  
• SOEs identified for Performance Reviews.  
The 43 SOEs were identified in the following Specific Reform Strategies:  
Privatisation   
1. Agribank  
2. Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ)  
3. POSB  
4. Tel-One 
5. Net-One  
6. Petrotrade  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 40 - 
 
  7. Allied Timbers  
8. ZIMPOST  
9. ZUPCO  
10. ZMDC subsidiaries  
11. IDC subsidiaries  
The partial privatisation transactions are at various stages of implementation and the expected 
completion time being December 2020.  
12. ZISCO Steel  
• Government reconsidering Disposal of Government shareholding to suitable 
investor.  
Reconstruction  
13. Air Zimbabwe  
• The company is under reconstruction arrangement as provided by the 
Reconstruction of State -Indebted Insolvent Companies Act [Chapter 24:27] and 
Grant Thornton is the Administrator.  
Public Private Partnership (PPP)  
14. Cold Storage Company (CSC)  
• PPP arrangement with Boustead Beef Company concluded  
15. National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ)  
• PPP partner yet to be identified by December 2020  
16. Road Motor Services (RMS)  
• The reform of RMS aligned to the restructuring of NRZ.  
Unbundling  
17. Grain Marketing Board  
• The commercial business unit of the Grain Marketing Board had already been 
separated into a standalone company named Silo Food Industries Ltd.  
18. Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)  
• The Civil Aviation Legislation was amended to allow separation of regu latory 
functions from operation functions. Implementation of the amended legislation is 
currently underway.  
Merging  
19. Powertel  
• To be merged with Zarnet and Africom.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 41 - 
 
  20. Zarnet  
• To be merged with Powertel and Africom.  
21. Africom  
• To be merged with Zarnet and Powertel . 
22. ZESA Group  
• Consolidation of 4 ZESA subsidiaries companies into a single entity. 
Implementation in progress and expected to be completed by December 2020.  
23. Postal & Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)  
• Consultations in progress on m erging the entity with Broadcasting Authority of 
Zimbabwe.  
24. Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ)  
• Consultations in progress on merging the entity with POTRAZ.  
25. Special Economic Zones Authority  
• Merged with Zimbabwe Investment Authority and Joint Venture Unit in forming 
Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA).  
26. Zimbabwe Investment Authority  
• Merged with Special Economic Zones Authority and Joint Venture Unit in forming 
Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA).  
27. Women 's bank  
• Decision to mer ge the bank with Small & Medium Enterprises Development 
Corporation (SMEDCO) and Empower bank was reversed. The bank to remain as 
standalone entity.  
28. Empower Bank  
• Decision to merge the bank with Small & Medium Enterprises Development 
Corporation (SMEDCO) an d Women 's bank was reversed. The bank to remain as 
standalone entity.  
29. Zimtrade  
• A decision to merge the entity in forming ZIDA was reversed and the entity 
remained a standalone entity.  
30. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority  
• A decision to merge the entity in forming ZI DA was reversed and the entity 
remained a standalone entity.  
Performance Reviews  
31. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks)  
• Performance Review was completed and board implementing the 
recommendations.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 42 - 
 
  32. Forestry Commission  
• Performance Review  was completed and board implementing the 
recommendations.  
33. Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation  
• Performance Review was completed and the recommendations awaiting adoption 
by Government.  
34. Environmental Management Agency  
• Performance Review wa s completed and board implementing the 
recommendations.  
35. Scientific And Industrial Research And Development Centre (SIRDC)  
• Performance Review had been completed and the recommendations awaiting 
adoption by Government.  
36. The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA)  
• Performance Review is yet to be re -done following failure by previous consultant 
to effectively perform the review and the procurement process for the new 
Consultant is currently underway.  
Departmentalisation  
• Successfully department alised under Ministry of Industry and Commerce.  
37. National Liquor Licencing Authority  
• Successfully departmentalised under Ministry of Local Government and Public 
Works.  
38. National Library and Documentation Services  
• Successfully departmentalised under Ministry  of Primary and Secondary 
Education.  
39. The Boxing and Wrestling Boards  
• The policy decision to departmentalise the entity is yet to be reconsidered.  
40. National Competitiveness Commission  
• The decision to departmentalise the Commission under the Line ministry was  
reverse and the entity remained a standalone entity.  
41. Board of Censors  
• The decision to departmentalise the Board under the Line ministry was reverse 
and the entity remained a standalone entity.  
42. Lotteries and Gaming Board  
• The decision to departmentalise th e Board under the Line ministry was reverse 
and the entity remained a standalone entity.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Further, the Governments refers to the State Public Entities Corporate Governance Act intended to 
strengthen the management and governance of SOEs.  
 
Question 6  
Could Zimbabwe provide details of the content of this Act as well as explanations of how 
it intends to achieve the objective set?  
 
Answer  
The Zimbabwe Government promulgated the Public Entities Corporate Governance (PECG) Act 
following the realisation that  State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) were not following good corporate 
governance practices and this had led to the decline in their contribution to GDP from over 40% in 
the 1990s to currently, less than 10%.  
 
The purpose of the Act is to ensure that SOEs imple ment good corporate governance practices in 
order for them to comply and meet the objectives of their different mandates and benefit the 
ordinary citizens.  
 
The Act created a Corporate Governance Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet which plays 
an oversight role over the SOEs and the line Ministries with regards to the implementation of good 
corporate governance.  
 
Some of the tenets of good corporate governance that are highlighted in the Act include submission 
of the following documents to the C orporate Governance Unit:  
 
• Selection of Board Members from the CGU database of potential Board members  
• Details of the appointed Board members  
• Ensuring that there is 50% representation on the Boards  
• Declaration of Assets forms on appointment and anniversary  of appointment  
• Board Charter  
• Code of Ethics  
• Appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by the Board  
• Process of selection of CEO to be representative of all regions in the country  
• Performance Contract between CEO and Board  
• CEO to serve two five year term s 
• Board to serve two four year terms  
• Holding of Board Meetings to be at least once a quarter  
• Financials to be audited by the Auditor General or their appointee  
• Holding of an Annual General Meeting to update stakeholders on performance  
• Submission of the SOE  Strategic Plan  
• Submission of Performance Contract between Minister and Board of Directors  
• Performance Review of Board and CEO annually  
• Board Minutes/Resolutions  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 44 - 
 
  These are some of the requirements of the Act which aim to bring about good corporate governance. 
The CGU thus plays oversight on the SOEs to ensure that they comply with the Act and there are 
penalties for non -compliance.  
 
12. Trade policies and practices  
 
Page 21, paragraph 12.26 Standards and Quality.  
 
The Report provides that Government policy seeks to implement internationally accepted quality 
standards and accreditation programs to develop local standards based on internationally accepted 
standards. This will be done by developing a national policy on  standards and quality assurance 
which would ensure adherence to the World Trade Organisation Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) 
and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreements, among other international standards agreements. 
Government will put in place le gislation which will make it mandatory for companies to comply with 
specified national and international standards on both imports and exports.  
 
Question 7  
What is Zimbabwe doing to address the fragmentation in the technical regulation regime 
which is cha racterised by overlapping mandates and unclear division of labour among 
many ministries and agencies in the SQAM sector?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe is currently developing a National Quality Policy to outline the structures mandates and 
this will be aligned with int ernational best practice. The Ministry of Industry & Commerce Quality 
Assurance Department is spearheading and coordinating this process.  
 
13. Multilateral trade and regional agreements  
 
Page 22, paragraph  13.3 
 
The report by the Government states that the  country has established a national trade facilitation 
committee (NTFC) in line with the TFA.  
 
Question 8  
Could Zimbabwe explain the functions of this committee in relation to the TFA and its 
progress in terms of the TFA implementation? In the same respect, could further 
Zimbabwe explain how this committee coordinates or intends to coordinate aid among 
donors?  
 
Answer:  
The responsibilities of the National Trade Facilitation Committee are as follows;  
 
• Facilitate domestic coordination and implementatio n of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement;  
• Mobilize resources for the operations of the Committee;  
• Monitor and Review the implementation of Trade Facilitation provisions in the country  
• Interfacing with Development partners and the WTO on technical assistance a ctivities;  
• Prepare delegations to attend Trade Facilitation meetings organized by World Trade 
Organization and other organizations as well as other relevant meetings;  
• To initiate, analyze and coordinate research on Trade Facilitation issues;  
• To strengthen policy coherence between national development priorities and 
international obligations, and between trade facilitation reform initiatives and technical 
assistance projects;  
• To undertake sensitization of Committee work in the country.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 45 - 
 
  The Committee constitu ted the Donor Coordination Sub Committee that will coordinate engagement 
with development partners and government towards the financing of the Trade Facilitation 
initiatives. A notification of the donor coordinator will be made to the World Trade Organizat ion in 
due course.  
 
To ensure effective aid coordination, there is an ongoing exercise on donor mapping which will look 
into the development partners and the activities that they are implementing in the country in order 
to avoid duplication. The exercise w ill also result in the development of a National Aid for Trade 
Strategy.  
 
The county is in the process of monitoring its implementation of its category B commitments so as 
to ensure we move towards the full implementation of the measure and the committee i s also 
engaging development partners towards technical and financial assistance for the category C 
commitments. It is important to note that the country is also benefitting from funding that is coming 
through the Regional Economic Communities that it is a party to.  
 
CATEGORY B COMMITMENTS  
Article  Description  
Article 1.1  Publication  
Article 1.4  Notification  
Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information before entry into Force  
Article 2.2  Consultation  
Article 3  Advance Ruling  
Article 4  Procedures for Review or Appeal  
Article 5.1  Notifications for enhanced controls or inspections  
Article 5.2  Detention  
Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  
Article 7.1  Pre- Arrival processing  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorised Economic Operators  
Article 10.2  Acceptance of Copies  
 
CATEGORY C COMMITMENTS  
Article 1.2  Information Available through internet  
Article 1.3  Inquiry Points  
Article 5.3  Test Procedures  
Article 7.4  Risk Management  
Article 7.5  Post Clearance Audit  
Article 7.6  Publication and Release of Average Time Release  
Article 8.2  Regional Coordination (Border Agency Coordination)  
 
Page 23, section 13.3, paragraph  13.6 
 
The report of the Government states with reference to the existing bilateral trade agreements that 
"some of the agreements have proved to be deficient in respect of areas such as rules of origin and 
other trade support mechanisms to facilitate trade and foster economic co -operation".  
 
Question 8 
Could Zimbabwe explain which are these agr eements and provide more details as to the 
problematic areas for which these agreements have proved to de deficient?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe entered into Bilateral Trade Agreements encompassing both Preferential Trade 
Agreements (PTAs) and Most Favoured Nation ( MFN) with over forty countries across the globe. It 
has been noted that there has been insignificant trade between Zimbabwe and most of the partner WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 46 - 
 
  countries on the basis of MFN Trade agreements. In light of this, Zimbabwe will be undertaking a 
review of a ll the bilateral trade agreements to assess whether they are still viable.  
 
Page 24, section 13.6, paragraph  13.20  
 
The report of the Government informs that Zimbabwe is in the process of ratifying the TFTA 
Agreement.  
 
Question 9 
Could Zimbabwe inform of the state of play and the timeframe for this ratification? Could 
also Zimbabwe inform of the need for the Parliament to approve this agreement?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe's Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement ratification process is proceeding well. The 
Public Agreements Advisory Committee (PAAC) approved the ratification of the TFTA Agreement on 
1 July 2019. The Agreement was then approved by the Cabinet C ommittee on Legislation (CCL) on 
2 December 2019. On 10 December 2019, Cabinet approved ratification of the TFTA Agreement. 
The Agreement is now undergoing the parliamentary approval processes.  
 
Page 25, section 13.7, paragraph  13.24  
 
The report of the Government informs that Zimbabwe's positions in the AfCFTA are based on 
positions and provisions in the RECs that the country is part to.  
 
Question 10 
Could Zimbabwe explain these positions in detail?  
 
Answer  
The FTAs that Zimbabwe is Pa rty to (COMESA, SADC, Tripartite Free Trade Area) have been used as 
building blocks towards the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Given 
that the AfCFTA will build on the acquis principle (existing commitments), the AfCFTA t exts and 
provisions in the following areas are similar to those in the RECs:  
 
• Rules of origin;  
• SPS; 
• TBT; 
• Trade Facilitation;  
• Non-Tariff Barriers;  
• Transit;  
• Trade Remedies;  
• Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance  
Zimbabwe supported the adopt ion of four priority services for trade in services liberalisation during 
the first round of the AfCFTA negotiations on trade in services liberalisation. The four sectors, 
namely; financial, tourism, communication and transport services are also part of th e SADC and 
COMESA priority services.  
 
In terms of the Tariff Offer, the country will base its tariff liberalisation schedules on the SADC and 
COMESA tariff liberalisation commitments.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 47 - 
 
  WT/TPR/S/398 – WTO Secretariat's Report  
Summary:  
Page 7, paragraph 7  
The secretariat report notes that the importance of trade in the Zimbabwe economy has fallen as 
evidenced by the decline in the ratio of trade in goods and services to GDP from 89.5% in 2011 to 
50% in 2017. This is attributed in part to trade r estrictions that the government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) 
imposed during the review period.  
 
Question 1 1 
What actions is the GoZ taking to reverse this trend?  
 
Answer  
Under the National Trade Policy and National Export (2019 -2023); the following are the broad and 
specific strategies will be implemented in order to boost the countries level of trade.  
 
Developing and Nurturing Export Culture – encouraging firms to re -orient their business models 
towards competitive production of high quality and valued -added goods and services for export.  
 
Sector Prioritisation, Value -Chain and Cluster Development – Supporting the identified priority 
sectors with potential competitive advantage in the export market - tourism, horticulture, leather 
and leather products, food  and beverages, textiles and clothing, wood and furniture, arts and crafts, 
as well as mineral beneficiation and trade in services.  
 
Special Economic Zones - Establishment of Special Economic Zones to attract export -oriented 
investments.  
 
SMEs Developmen t – Building the trade capacity of SMEs including access to finance and technology 
and export marketing training programmes.  
 
Export product and market diversification – identification of opportunities to diversify the export 
basket of products that Zimbab we can export and the export markets that can be accessed 
competitively.  
 
Trade Incentives - Provision of trade finance, export credit insurance and incentives to trade/export  
 
Trade Promotion Activities – Provision of Trade and Market Access Information,  participating in Trade 
Fairs and Exhibitions, and promoting the Brand Zimbabwe in terms of Tourism, Trade and 
Investment.  
 
Zimbabwe Export Promotion Council - Establishing a Zimbabwe Export Promotion Council to consult 
and provide evidence -based advice o n export development, promotion and facilitation strategies. 
Sector -specific councils will be established where necessary.  
 
Trade in Services – Promoting trade in services in the following priority sectors - tourism, financial 
services, business and profes sional services, and education services, medical services, construction 
and engineering, ICT, transport, energy.  
 
Tariff Policy – Enhance implementation of tariff and non -tariff measures aimed at enabling the 
importation of raw materials and capital goods to stimulate production and export of value -added 
goods, in line with the country's regional and multilateral commitments.  
 
Standards and Quality - regulating imported products so that they are in compliance with national, 
regional and international stand ards. Encouraging the manufacture and export of products that meet 
standards in export markets.  
 
Trade Remedies – This will be strategically instituted to counter unfair trade practices in accordance 
with provisions of regional and multilateral trade agreements.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 48 - 
 
  Trade Negotiations – Engaging in trade negotiations at bilateral, regional and internati onal trade 
levels and commodity arrangements to enhance and safeguard market access for Zimbabwean 
products.  
 
Trade Facilitation – This will be implemented to reduce the time and cost of importing, exporting 
and transit as well as improving Zimbabwe 's wor ld ranking on trading across borders. Continuous 
review of legislation affecting the ease of doing export business will also be undertaken.  
 
Aid for Trade – Engaging Development Cooperating Partners to support trade facilitation initiatives 
and programmes in Zimbabwe.  
 
Transport – developing land links (road and railway transport) and air links for the transport sector 
to play its pivotal role in facilitating trade through the movement of goods and people and turn the 
country into a gateway to markets in th e Southern African region.  
Electronic Commerce – Promoting the adoption of e -commerce by business which involves the 
production, distribution, marketing, sale or delivery of goods (both physical and digital products) 
and services by electronic means to ena ble the country to reach out to export markets in advanced 
countries.  
 
Events and Meetings Industry – Promoting the Events and Meetings Industry by hosting major 
regional and international meetings and conferences, exhibitions and attracting tourist traffi c into 
Zimbabwe.  
 
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) – Protection of IPRs covering, Copyrights, Trademarks, 
Geographical Indications, Industrial Designs, Patents and Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits. This 
is aimed at encouraging creative work and te chnological innovation, ensuring fair competition, as 
well as facilitating the transfer of technology.  
 
Competition Policy – promotion of fair competition and address unfair business practices.  
 
Gender Mainstreaming - Extending preferential access to fina nce, trade support, and trade 
information for women and youths.  
 
Trade and Environment – Balancing the often conflicting interests between trade and environmental 
protection, consisting of both the impact of environmental policies on trade, as well as the  impact of 
trade policies on the environment.  
 
The Government of Zimbabwe signed and ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), 
with a view to tap in from the benefits of the increased market. Furthermore, the country is 
participating in th e negotiations for the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA). The country is also 
consolidating the Bilateral Trade Agreements and Free Trade Areas, which the country is signatory 
to. Deepening of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU is ongoing . Liberalisation 
of the foreign exchange market has been undertaken, in order to make foreign currency readily 
available on a willing buyer willing seller basis, thereby promoting international transactions. Trade 
Facilitation in line with WTO Trade Facili tation Agreement is being implemented. Ease and Cost of 
Doing Business reforms are also being undertaken with a view to reduce the time and cost of trading 
across borders, thereby increasing trade.  
 
3.3.7  Intellectual property rights (IPRs)  
 
Page 77, para graph 3.139  
 
The report provides an overview of Zimbabwe's IPR legal framework and illustrates its present 
membership of WIPO treaties.  
 
Question 1 2 
Is Zimbabwe intending to join further WIPO -administered treaties in the medium -term?  
 
Answer  
Yes, the country intends to join some WIPO administered treaties. The WIPO administered treaties 
that the country intends to join are Geneva Agreement and Vienna treaties.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 49 - 
 
  Page 79, paragraph 3.146   
 
The report points out that applications for trademark registration were high during the period under 
review and that this development was due to awareness raising programmes in all provinces 
according to the authoritie s. 
 
Question 1 3 
Is Zimbabwe planning to organise such awareness raising campaigns also for other 
categories of intellectual property rights with a view to fostering economic growth and 
development in line with its National Intellectual Property Policy and Implementation 
Strategy (2018 -22)?  
 
Answer  
Yes, more awareness programs are being planned going into the future.  
 
4.1.4 Domestic support:  
Page 81, Paragraph 4.21  
 
The report in point 4.21 set out that the latest DS:1 notifications covers the year 1999 and 2000. 
The EU appreciates the relatively recent  Zimbabwe ES:1 notifications.  
 
Question 1 4 
The EU is well aware that the agricultural policy in Zimbabwe has changed significantly 
over the years, and will therefore ask whether Zimbabwe will be able to produc e the DS:1 
notification for some of the more recent years, i.e. 2017 to 2019.  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe intends to start preparing the domestic support notifications for the period 2017 - 2019 
and will endeavour to finish the process before the end of this year (2020).  
 
4.2. Mining and energy:  
Page 86, paragraph 4.46  
The report provides that Zimbabwe is endowed with a wealth of (more than 40) mineral and metal 
resources along the Great Dyke area and in the greenstone belts, also known as gold belts. Gold, 
platinum and associated minerals, diamonds, nickel, coal, and chromite are the main miner als that 
are currently extracted, (Table 4.5). The country has the world's second largest reserves of chrome 
and platinum group metals (PGMs), and the fifth largest of lithium. The total value of mineral 
production from over 800 registered mines was estima ted at about USD 3.2 billion in 2018.  
 
Question 1 5 
What are key challenges of the government of Zimbabwe to trigger sustainable 
investment in raw materials extraction and main investment bottle necks , in particular 
for graphite, platinum, lithium and coba lt? 
 
Answer  
The country  is endowed with so much mineral wealth and Zimbabwe has among  the most well 
documented mineral  occurrences in the region.  For the country to realize its full mineral potential, 
systematic greenfield and brownfield exploration is nee ded.  
 
Exploration is conducted to discover and ascertain the quantity and quality of resource available in 
an area. Exploration is capital intensive and as such the mineral exploration sector has become one 
of the major investment opportunities in the cou ntry. Large scale exploration is done under Exclusive 
Prospecting Orders (EPOs).  
 
Work carried out during the tenure of EPOs has over the years been translated into numerous 
successful mining ventures - the likes of Maligreen Gold mine, Ipanema and Hungwe g old discoveries, 
Renco, Freda Rebecca e.t.c.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Currently there are 9 EPOs exploring for  Gold, Copper, Nickel, Cobalt Chrome and Platinum Group 
Metals however, the current socio -economic climate in the areas under exploration has not been 
very conducive for EPO holders to systematically conduct exploration activities. The main challenges 
to exploration and further investment in mineral exploration include illegal mining activities, 
resistance and backlash from small scale miners and restrictions by land owner s 
 
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 51 - 
 
  INDONESIA  
REPORT BY THE SECRETARIAT  
Page 36 paragraph 2.47  
 
2.47. (…) In general, foreign companies are at liberty to establish subsidiaries or branches, or to 
appoint agents in Zimbabwe, with certain exceptions (e.g. banking). However, several poten tial 
limitations remain in the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) Act, whereby the Ministry of Industry 
and Commerce (MIC) is authorized to: (i) designate the sectors available for investment by domestic 
and foreign investors; (ii) specify those sectors r eserved exclusively for domestic investors; 
(iii) prohibit the export of specified raw materials in unprocessed form; (iv) prescribe the manner or 
the extent to which any raw materials shall be beneficiated before export; and (v) prescribe the 
degree of ex port orientation of investment proposals submitted by applicants.  
 
Question 1  
In determining the criteria, what are the specific criteria to determine sectors which open 
for investment by domestic and foreign investors?  
 
Answer  
In terms of Section 3 (1) (A) of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act [Chapter 14:33] 
as amended there are twelve sectors Reserved for Zimbabweans citizens and these are as follows; 
Transportation: passenger buses, taxes and car hire services; R etail and wholesale trade; Barber 
shops, hairdressing and beauty salons; Employment Agencies; Estate Agencies; Valet services; 
Grain milling; Bakeries; Tobacco grading and packaging; Advertising Agencies; Provision of local 
arts and craft, marketing and di stribution and Artisanal mining.  
A person who is not a Zimbabwean Citizen may invest in the reserved sectors of the economy if that 
business meets certain prescribed thresholds based on the following objectives:  
c. Significant and sustainable employment cre ation in Zimbabwe;  
d. The transfer of skills and technology for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe;  
e. The creation of sustainable value chains  
f. Other prescribed socially and economically desirable objectives  
The law does not necessarily bar foreign investors  from investing in the economy's 12 reserved 
sectors as this might close the economy to certain skills and technological advancements that foreign 
investors may bring in these sectors. The law seeks to attract meaningful foreign investment in 
these sectors  based on the fact that the above sectors may be considered as low capital investment 
sectors.  
 
Page 41 paragraph 3.11  
 
3.11. The profession of customs clearing agent is governed by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority 
(ZIMRA), under the Customs and Excise Act. It i s open to foreigners, but the company must be 
locally registered. To obtain an annually renewable license, applicants must submit a certified 
certificate of incorporation; the national identity card, finger prints, and police clearance of 
shareholders, dir ectors and any employees authorized to act on behalf of the clearing agent; 
curricula vitae of all employees (with proof of customs experience); and a tax clearance certificate. 
Where the clearing agent intends to engage in imports, removal in bond, or tra nsit, a bond of USD 
250,000 must be lodged with a guarantor. The license is issued after payment of a USD 800 licence 
fee, and must be renewed annually at a cost of USD 100.  
 
Question 2  
Besides licensing renewal fees, do the applicants need to submit the mentioned 
documents every year? Please provide further information on the purpose of these 
requirements.  
 
Answer  
The requested documentation is submitted once and forms part of the clearing agents client file. 
However, where there are changes within the cl earing agents firm they are required to submit the 
necessary documentation reflecting such changes.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 52 - 
 
  The documents are required so that ZIMRA knows the clearing agents working with importers and 
importers. In case of any issues with any clearing agent these  can be dealt with appropriately with 
the specific clearing agent.  
 
Question 3  
Does the government has specific program to simplify the requirements and system?  
 
Answer  
The clearing agents licensing and renewal process has now been automated within the ASYCUDA 
World clearance system, this has drastically simplified the process and documents are now submitted 
electronically through this system.  
 
Page 65 paragraph 3.84  
 
3.84. The CBCA Programme provides that the designated products, when imported into the country, 
must be accompanied by a certificate of conformity with Zimbabwean national standards. A pre -
export verification of conformity of the listed products is carried out in the country of export, and a 
Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued. The ass essment involves "confirmation, through the 
provision of objective evidence, that requirements of the applicable standards have been fulfilled 
through one or more of the following tasks: shipment inspection, verification of documentation, 
sample testing an d risk assessment". According to the authorities, the CBCA Programme accepts 
certified products from well -known brands, as long as reports and/or certification documents from 
an accredited third party are provided; in that case, there is no testing, but th e fees are still payable.  
 
Question 4  
Does it mean that company with "well -known brands" does not need to fulfill the 
requirements and assessments under CBCA program, such as sample testing and risk 
assessment? Please elaborate more.  
 
Answer  
Products which  are well known under the CBCA Programme are homogenous products which are 
regularly exported as they have reasonable and consistent levels of quality by conformity to the 
required standards. These products from a supplier/exporter are eligible to forgo sa mple testing and 
avoid unnecessary re -testing by undertaking product registration under route B of the CBCA 
Programme. The registration is valid for a period of one year. Shipments of registered products are 
exempted from mandatory testing and certificatio n of the registered products may be based on 
physical inspection only. However, random testing of registered product is still required to ensure 
product conformity throughout the registration period. Product registration is recommended to 
Exporters having frequent shipments of homogenous products.  
 
Page 69 paragraph 3.107  
 
3.107. Zimbabwe maintains a ban on cultivation, (sale and use) of GMOs and GMO products. While 
imports of GMO products are generally prohibited, imports of GM -modified grains (e.g. maize  and 
soya beans from South Africa) may be authorized under supervised milling requirements.  
 
Question 5  
Please provide more information on how Zimbabwe manage the import of GM -modified 
grains while Zimbabwe continue to ban cultivation of GMOs.  
 
Answer  
The Government of Zimbabwe does not have a ban  on the sale and use of GMOs and GMO 
products. The Genetically Modified Food and Feed (Labelling), Regulations, Statutory Instrument 
159 of 2018 states that:  
a. Operators who produce or sell food or feed containin g at least 1% of products of genetic 
modification shall label their products as guided by the regulation.  
b. Operators who produce or sell food or feed containing less than 1% of products of 
genetic modification shall not be compulsorily required to label the ir products as such, 
and if they so wish, the operators shall ensure that the label has the appropriate words 
as guided by the regulation  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 53 - 
 
  Question 6  
Please specify the requirements for milling and please elaborate how Zimbabwe 
supervised it?  
 
Answer  
GM grain may be imported for the sole purpose of milling and not distribution. Once an authorized 
for import GM product arrives at port monitoring and surveillance is maintained until it arrives at the 
milling site where a biosafety inspector will supervise t he consignment until all the grain has been 
milled.  
 
Report by Zimbabwe WT/TPR/G/398  
 
Page 22 paragraph 12.30  
 
12.30. In the 2020 World Bank Ease of doing business survey Zimbabwe ranked 140 with a doing 
business score of 54.5 (Ease of Doing Business Repor t October 2019). This is attributed to the Ease 
of doing business reforms being spearheaded by the Office of the President and Cabinet. The National 
Trade Policy interventions will be targeted on indicators that directly affect the Trading across 
Borders i ndex ranking.  
 
Question 7  
Please elaborate the National Trade Policy interventions program.  
 
Answer  
Under the Government initiative to improve the Ease of Doing Business Ranking various technical 
working groups have been set up which focus on the World Bank Indicators, amongst these technical 
working groups there is a Working Group that focusses on the Trading Across Borders indicator. This 
working group has focused reforms on the simplification, harmonization, automation and publication 
of the cle arance processes at the countries ports of entry so as to reduce the time and cost of 
undertaking cross border clearances.  
 
In addition, the Government in collaboration with the private sector will implement the following 
broad and specific strategies unde r the National Trade Policy and Export Strategy framework.  
 
Developing and Nurturing Export Culture – encouraging firms to re -orient their business models 
towards competitive production of high quality and valued -added goods and services for export.  
 
Sector Prioritisation, Value -Chain and Cluster Development – Supporting the identified priority 
sectors with potential competitive advantage in the export market - tourism, horticulture, leather 
and leather products, food and beverages, textiles and clothing, wood and furniture, arts and crafts, 
as well as mineral beneficiation and trade in services.  
 
Special Economic Zones - Establishment of Special Economic Zones to attract export -oriented 
investments.  
 
SMEs Development – Building the trade capacity of SMEs  including access to finance and technology 
and export marketing training programmes.  
 
Export product and market diversification – identification of opportunities to diversify the export 
basket of products that Zimbabwe can export and the export markets that can be accessed 
competitively.  
 
Trade Incentives - Provision of trade finance, expo rt credit insurance and incentives to trade/export  
 
Trade Promotion Activities – Provision of Trade and Market Access Information, participating in Trade 
Fairs and Exhibitions, and promoting the Brand Zimbabwe in terms of Tourism, Trade and 
Investment.  
 
Zimbabwe Export Promotion Council - Establishing a Zimbabwe Export Promotion Council to consult 
and provide evidence -based advice on export development, promotion and facilitation strategies. 
Sector -specific councils will be established where necessary.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 54 - 
 
  Trade in Services – Promoting trade in services in the following priority sectors - tourism, financial 
services, business and professional services, and education services, medical services, construction 
and engineering, ICT, transport, energy.  
 
Tariff Polic y – Enhance implementation of tariff and non -tariff measures aimed at enabling the 
importation of raw materials and capital goods to stimulate production and export of value -added 
goods, in line with the country's regional and multilateral commitments.  
 
Standards and Quality - regulating imported products so that they are in compliance with national, 
regional and international standards. Encouraging the manufacture and export of products that meet 
standards in export markets.  
 
Trade Remedies – This will be  strategically instituted to counter unfair trade practices in accordance 
with provisions of regional and multilateral trade agreements.  
 
Trade Negotiations – Engaging in trade negotiations at bilateral, regional and international trade 
levels and commodi ty arrangements to enhance and safeguard market access for Zimbabwean 
products.  
 
Trade Facilitation – This will be implemented to reduce the time and cost of importing, exporting 
and transit as well as improving Zimbabwe 's world ranking on trading across borders. Continuous 
review of legislation affecting the ease of doing export business will also be undertaken.  
 
Aid for Trade – Engaging Development Cooperating Partners to support trade facilitation initiatives 
and programmes in Zimbabwe.  
  
Transport – developing land links (road and railway transport) and air links for the transport sector 
to play its pivotal role in facilitating trade through the movement of goods and people and turn the 
country into a gateway to markets in the Southern African region.  
Electronic Commerce – Promoting the adoption of e -commerce by business which involves the 
production, distribution, marketing, sale or delivery of goods (both physical and digital products) 
and services by electronic means to enable the country to reach out  to export markets in advanced 
countries.  
 
Events and Meetings Industry – Promoting the Events and Meetings Industry by hosting major 
regional and international meetings and conferences, exhibitions and attracting tourist traffic into 
Zimbabwe.  
 
Intellect ual Property Rights (IPRs) – Protection of IPRs covering, Copyrights, Trademarks, 
Geographical Indications, Industrial Designs, Patents and Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits. This 
is aimed at encouraging creative work and technological innovation, ensu ring fair competition, as 
well as facilitating the transfer of technology.  
 
Competition Policy – promotion of fair competition and address unfair business practices.  
 
Gender Mainstreaming - Extending preferential access to finance, trade support, and trade 
information for women and youths.  
 
Trade and Environment – Balancing the often conflicting interests between trade and environmental 
protection, consisting of both t he impact of environmental policies on trade, as well as the impact of 
trade policies on the environment.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 55 - 
 
  THAILAND  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Para 3.1.4  Page  49 
 
Question 1  
Could Zimbabwe clarify why surtax is levied at the gene ral rate of 25%, despite the fact 
that Zimbabwe's Other Duties and Charges ( ODCs ) are bound at 15 % under WTO 
regulation? How many tariff lines (at 8 digits) are bound with ODCs? Additionally, please 
provide the reason for levying the ODCs or surtaxes?  
 
Answer  
Surtax and ODC's are levied as a National Policy tool to enhance revenue generation and is targeted 
at a few selected commodity codes in relation to the number of existent HS Tariff codes. Its rate is 
determined purely on the revenue gene ration expectations and forecasts of the measure.  
The 139 tariff lines at 8 digit level for other goods are levied with surtax, and also all tariff lines for 
second hand light passenger motor vehicles of commodity code heading 87.03 which are more than 
five years old from the date of original manufacture.  
 
Para 20 Page 9  
 
Question 2  
Does Zimbabwe have any kind of export duties? If so, what kind of products and how 
many tariff lines would levy upon these export duties?  
 
Answer  
No export duties are levied in Zimbabwe, however export taxes are levied on specified products such 
as Raw Hides, and selected unbeneficiated minerals to promote local beneficiation. Currently there 
is a suspension on the charging of export tax on unbeneficiated minerals.  
 
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Para 13.10  Page  23 
 
Question 3  
Please elaborate further on the details of Comprehensive Trade Facilitation Program aimed 
to ease the flow of goods and services within the region as stated on the policy review.  
In which trade aspects, if not all, does the program covers?  
 
Answer  
SADC Trade Facilitation Programme was adopted after the World Trade Organization (WTO) 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation entered in force in 2017. The aim of the programme was the 
implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement by SADC Member States t hrough the 
advancement of the regional integration agenda in particular the consolidation of the SADC Free 
Trade Area (FTA). The implementation of the Agreement would be supported by the SADC Protocol 
on Trade. The Article 5 of Annex III of the Protocol co ncerning Simplification and harmonization of 
Trade Documentation and Procedure for Trade Facilitation among other provides the following:  
• Reducing the cost of documents and the volume of paper work required in respect of 
trade between Member States;  
• ensur e adequate coordinating between trade and transport facilitation within the 
community; and  
• Promoting the development and adoption of common solutions to problems in trade 
facilitation among Member States.   
The SADC Protocol on Trade in governing instrument s for the implementation of the Free Trade Area 
requires some amendments to accommodate the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. In order to 
effectively implements SADC Trade Facilitation Programme, SADC Member States and SADC 
Secretariat where directed to:  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 56 - 
 
  • ensure that the programme is mainstreamed in the SADC Regional Integration Strategic 
Development Plan (RISDP), implementation plan to support trade integration, 
industrialization, and mobilization of resources;  
• prioritize for implementation of activities in  which WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 
commitments have been undertaken, including areas where capacity building is 
required, based on national categorizations;  
• align national and regional instruments with the provisions of WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreemen t; and  
• urged Member States who have not ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement to 
do so.  
To ensure that the implementation of the SADC Trade Facilitation programmes is comprehensive the 
region developed system for monitoring and reporting on the tra de facilitation program through the 
SADC Monitoring Reporting and Evaluation (MRE) mechanisms for the Protocol on Trade. The system 
is therefore comprehensive and encompass requirements under the SADC Trade Facilitation 
Programme, the WTO Trade Facilitatio n Agreement and the SADC Protocol on Trade  
 
Question 4  
What are the measures and processes of the facilitation program, particularly in the flow 
of services?  
 
Answer  
The program covers both trade in goods and services as covered under the WTO Trade Facilitation 
agreement.  
The measures include and not limited to  Risk Management, Electronic Payment, Information sharing, 
General Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on  or in Connection with Importation and 
Exportation, Establishment and Publication of Average Release Times, Establishment of National 
Committee on Trade Facilitation, Common Border Procedures and Uniform Documentation 
Requirements, Common Custom Procedures  and Simplification of Documents.  
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 57 - 
 
  ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THAILAND  
PART I: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SECRETARIAT REPORT  
 
Para 2.42 -2.45 Page 34 -35 
 
Question 1  
According to the report, the abolishment of the indigenization law in 2018 has affected foreign 
ownership in service sectors mentioned in the BOX 2.2 such as transportation services, retail and 
wholesale trade, and advertising agencies; yet, the report did  not mention any law or regulations 
succeeded by the law.  
 
Are there any laws or regulations that take place of the indigenization law repealed in 
2018?  
The major investment restriction was the implementation of the Indigenisation and Economic 
Empowerment  Act, which forced foreign -owned businesses to cede at least 51% shares of their local 
operations to black Zimbabweans. In 2018, this requirement was removed, except for diamonds and 
platinum, which are strategically important to the country. The requireme nt on diamond and 
platinum was removed in March 2019 through the amendment of the Finance Act of 2017.  
 
Response :  
i. The Indigenization and Economic Empowerment legislation was amended in 2018. The 
Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act [Chapter 14:33] as amended  reserves 
twelve sectors off the economy for Zimbabwean citizens and these are as follows; 
Transportation: passenger buses, taxis and car hire services; Retail and wholesale 
trade; Barber shops, hairdressing and beauty salons; Employment Agencies; Estate 
Agencies; Valet services; Grain milling; Bakeries; Tobacco grading and packaging; 
Advertising agencies; Provision of local arts and craft, marketing and distribution and 
artisanal mining.  
ii. Foreign owned businesses that were already in businesses before the a mendments to 
the law in 2018 which led to the reserving of certain sectors of the economy for citizens 
will not be affected or forced out of business by this current legislation.  
iii. Non-citizen Zimbabweans may invest in the reserved sectors of the economy if  that 
business meets certain prescribed thresholds based on the following objectives:   
• Significant and sustainable employment creation in Zimbabwe;  
• The transfer of skills and technology for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe;  
• The creation of sustainable value chains  
• Other prescribed socially and economically desirable objectives  
iv. The law does not necessarily bar foreign investors from investing in the economy's 12 
reserved sectors as this might close the economy to certain skil ls and technological 
advancements that foreign investors may bring in these sectors. The law seeks to attract 
meaningful foreign investment in these sectors based on the fact that the above sectors 
may be considered as low capital investment sectors.  
Para 2.47 Page 36  
 
Question 2  
It is stated in the report that the MIC (Ministry of Industry and Commerce) is authorized to do the 
following tasks; (i) designate the sectors available for investment by domestic and foreign investors; 
(ii) specify those sectors r eserved exclusively for domestic investors; (iii) prohibit the export of 
specified raw materials in unprocessed form; (iv) prescribe the manner or the extent to which any 
raw materials shall be beneficiated before export; and (v) prescribe the degree of ex port orientation 
of investment proposals submitted by applicants.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 58 - 
 
  Could Zimbabwe provide further details on how and in which format the MIC issues 
regulations to govern those tasks?  
 
a. The Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act [Chapter 14:33] as amen ded 
reserves twelve sectors of the economy for Zimbabweans citizens and these are as 
follows; Transportation: passenger buses, taxes and car hire services; Retail and 
wholesale trade; Barber shops, hairdressing and beauty salons; Employment Agencies; 
Estate Agencies; Valet services; Grain milling; Bakeries; Tobacco grading and 
packaging; Advertising Agencies; Provision of local arts and craft, marketing and 
distribution and Artisanal mining.  
b. Non-citizen Zimbabweans may invest in the reserved sectors of the  economy if that 
business meets certain prescribed thresholds based on the following objectives:   
• Significant and sustainable employment creation in Zimbabwe;  
• The transfer of skills and technology for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe;  
• The creation of sustainable value chains  
• Other prescribed socially and economically desirable objectives  
c. Foreign investors who wish to invest in the economy's reserved sectors have to submit 
application to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce for approval. The applicati on 
needs to be guided by the afore -mentioned objectives. The law does not bar foreigners 
from investing in the economy's reserved sectors.  
d. Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce does not have any controls on the 
export of raw materials. Prior to the outbreak of Covid -19, the only commodities that 
required an export licence from the MIC are sugar, fertilizers and gypsum . 
Regulation o f exports for these commodities was to ensure that there is sufficient sugar 
and fertilizers for local consumption.  
e. There is no legal instrument, administered by MIC, that specifically prohibits the export 
of raw materials before value addition. Except for  gypsum, MIC therefore, does not 
regulate any such exports. In the case of gypsum, it is a by -product of another industrial 
process and only there is only one producer in the country who produces it. However, 
MIC receives very few requests to export Gypsum . 
f. Covid -19 - On 17 April 2020, following the outbreak of Covid -19, MIC introduced export 
licensing requirements for ethanol (a raw material for making alcohol -based sanitizers), 
designated pharmaceutical medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE). T his 
has been done purely to augment the national response to the outbreak of Covid -19 
and control outflows of goods that are essential in the fight against the pandemic. The 
legal instrument specifying this is Statutory Instrument 90 of 2020 . 
g. The Ministry of Health and Child Care through Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe 
MCAZ) issues export permits on medicines/drugs whilst the Ministry of Industry and 
Commerce issues the export licence.  
3.3.2  Standards and other technical requirements page 63 -66 
Comment  
According to the WTO report, it mentioned that  about 3% of the standards have been adopted as 
technical regulations in Zimbabwe. However, there is only on notification submitted to the WTO TBT 
Committee. According to the Technical Barriers to Trade  obligations, any establishment of the 
adopted or proposed technical regulations standards or conformity assessment procedures, including 
any regulations amendment which may have consequences on trade -related matter, requires all 
parties to allow at least 60 days to allow other members and related parties opportunity to comment.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 59 - 
 
  Response :  
The country endeavours to comply with its notification obligations under the TBT agreement and has 
requested assistance from the WTO to help increase compliance.  
 
Para 4 .114 Page 100  
 
Question 3  
Regarding Zimbabwe's monetary and currency issues, could Zimbabwe elaborate the 
policy for promoting investment in the tourism sector?  
 
Response :  
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe availed to the tourism sector the liberty to retain 10 0% of export 
proceeds for the period up to 31st December 2020. This measure aims to mitigate the negative 
effects of the COVID -19 induced disruption on tourism activity and to cushion the balance sheets of 
Zimbabwean tourism sector players. There are no fu rther monetary policy based incentive(s) for the 
tourism sector at the moment.  
 
Para 4.116 Page 100  
 
Question 4  
Could Zimbabwe provide further details regarding to the foreign investment regulations 
in the tourism sector?  
 
Response :  
Tourism Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Tourism Development Zones (TDZs) are instrumental 
tools for tourism investment in Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has 
opened up investment in the tourism capital and other areas around it. The SEZ stretches from 
Hwange to Binga, inclusive of Victoria Falls.  
 
The country has through the National Tourism Master Plan demarcated the country into 11 Tourism 
Development Zones. The masterplan identifies potential investment opportunities in each zone. 
There are also incentives associated with investing in these Tourism Development Zones and as in 
the SEZ, investment laws in these areas are independent of ordinary areas in the country.  
The Government continues to create an enabling environment to attract inv estments into the tourism 
sector and also use tourism to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the country. The 
Zimbabwe government has designated eleven (11) Tourism Development Zones to create more 
investment opportunities in areas where tourism offers comparative advantages. Tourism 
Development Zone The government is committed to making sure that the industry is protected from 
disinvestments through primary and secondary legislations.  
 
Tourism development zones are focal areas for concentration of tourism activities and investment. 
They have been identified by looking at clusters of existing and potential tourism products. Their 
boundaries are indicative and are not binding in regulatory terms. Tourism product clusters have 
been recognized where there is a "concentration" of existing or potential tourism products and 
facilities, in and around major attractions and/or towns.  
 
Para 4.119 Page 101  
 
Question 5  
Zimbabwe's stated trade policy objective in the area if transport services is to liberalize  market 
access, albeit generally on a case -by-case and reciprocal basis. In fact, market access continues to 
be determined on a bilateral basis, and restrictions remain , although commercial presence (mode 3 
of the GATS) was liberalized following the repeal  of the Indigenization Act in 2018.  
 
Could Zimbabwe provide further details on the mentioned restrictions?  
 
2.42-2.45 
 
• With respect to road transport services (passenger and freight), there are no laws or 
regulations that take the place of the indigenisation law repealed in 2018• The WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  provisions  of the country's investment laws prescribe that road transport and car hire 
services remain listed as sectors reserved for domestic investment.  
• However in line with the Finance Act No.1 of 2018, foreign nationals may invest in the 
reserved sectors if the business meets certain criteria prescribed by the Minister in 
terms of employmen t creations skills/technology transfer, etc.  
• A provision  was made for those foreigners that invested in these reserved sectors prior 
to 1 January 2018 to continue operation subject to regularising by registering with 
ZIMRA, National Indigenisation  and Econ omic Empowerment (NIEE) Unit and 
maintaining bank accounts in terms of the Bank Use Promotion Act [Chapter 24:24]. 
The foreign nationals were given grace period of up to 31 July 2018 to comply with this 
requirement.  
• The framework for regulating cross border road transport sector is governed by Bilateral 
Road Transport Agreements and Multi -lateral Cross Border Road Transport Agreements. 
These provide for the regulation of other modes of supply such as consumption abroad 
and cross border supply. These Ag reements also impact on market access through the 
implementation of cabotage restrictions.  
Question 6  
Could Zimbabwe provide further details on what laws or regulations to which the 
telecommunication service sector is currently applied?  
 
Response  
 
1. Telecommunications Law  
 
International Level  
 
a. ITU Treaty.  
b. Treaties governing the relations between states and entities within different states 
(cross border issues).  
Country Level  
 
Regulations governing the following:  
 
a. Creation of Regulatory Authorities, th at is, the general institutional framework;  
b. Licensing;  
c. Competition behavior;  
d. Tariffs;  
e. Quality of service;  
f. Interconnection issues;  
g. Infrastructure sharing;  
h. Scarce resource management;  
i. Universal Service;  
j. Sanctions and or penalties; and  
k. Dispute Resolution.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  2. Why regulate the Sector?  
 
"Rules are for people who are not willing to make their own" (Chuck Yeager).  
"If you allow a purely capitalist society, without any type of regulation, you will get one monopoly 
that will eat all the smaller fish and own everything. You will have zero capitalism and zero 
competition. It will be just one big company".  
• To prevent any single company from taking over and controlling the market;  
• To ensure no discriminatory practices are used to withhold telecommun ication services 
from certain classes of users;  
• To prevent prioritization of one line of communication over another, or others;  
• To prevent market failure;  
• To protect consumers;  
• To create effective competition;  
• To prevent anti -competitive behavior; and   
• To allocate scarce resources (numbers and radio frequency spectrum).  
3. POTRAZ Mandate and Functions ( Postal Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe)  
 
Mandate  
 
• Provision of sufficient Domestic and International Telecommunications and Postal 
Services;  
• Provision of affordable and sustainable services;  
• Development of systems and services;  
• Licensing and regulation of Network Operators; and  
• Advise Minister.  
Functions  
 
a. Establish standards and codes;  
b. Allocate satellite orbits;  
c. Allocate radio frequency spectrum;  
d. Protect Consumers;  
e. Promote competition;  
f. Monitor Tariffs;  
g. Advance innovation and technological development;  
h. Represent Zimbabwe regionally and internationally in Telecommunications and Postal 
fora; 
i. Establish and control the National Numbe ring Plan; and  
j. Develop the National Broadband Plan.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  4. Licensing and Pricing  
 
Licensing  
 
a) Public Telecommunication Network Operators  
 
• Mobile Network Operators  
• Fixed Telecommunication Network Operators  
• Internet Access Providers  
 
b) Private Telecommunication Network Operators  
 
• Private Telecommunication - Banks, NGOs, Municipalities, et cetera  
• Postal and Courier licenses  
Pricing  
 
• Tariff regulation to curb:  
• Exploitative behaviour - excessive pricing of services;  
• Exclusionary behaviour - Discrim inatory pricing;  
• Development of appropriate standard costing models for regulated services;  
• Approval of tariff applications; and  
• Monitoring of pricing behavior in terms of services packages / bundles, promotions and 
assessing billing accuracy and complianc e with approved tariffs by Operators.  
5. International Affiliations  
 
• International Telecommunications Union (ITU);  
• African Telecommunications Union (ATU);  
• Universal Postal Union (UPU);  
• Pan African Postal Union (PAPU);  
• Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA);  
• Southern African Development Community (SADC);  
• Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA); and   
• African Advanced Level Telecommunication Institute (AFRALTI).  
6. Policy and Legal Framework  
 
International and R egional Treaties - Regulatory Tools  
 
• The ITU Constitution;  
• The Convention of the ITU;  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  • International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs);  
• The Radio Regulations; and  
• Regional Treaties and Protocols such as SADC and COMESA Protocols (These also 
influence Zi mbabwe's Telecommunication Laws).  
Zimbabwean Legislation - Regulatory Tools  
 
• Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter 12:05);  
• Criminal Law Amendment (Protection of Power, Communication and Water) 
Infrastructure Act No. 1 of 2011;  
• Interception of Communications Act (Chapter 11:20);  
• Broadcasting Services Act (Chapter 12:06);  
• Postal and Telecommunications Charges for Reserved (Services) [Statutory Instrument 
319 / 2000];  
• Postal and Telecommunications (Licensing, Registration and Certification Regulat ions) 
[Statutory Instrument 11A of 2001];  
• Postal and Telecommunications Postal Services Regulations [Statutory Instrument 238 
of 2001];  
• Postal and Telecommunications Internet Services Regulations [Statutory Instrument 
262 of 2001];  
• Postal and Telecommunications Interconnection Guidelines [Statutory Instrument 28 of 
2001];  
• Penalties Regulations [Statutory Instrument 162 0f 2008];  
• Postal and Telecommunications Subscriber Regulations;  
• Statutory Instrument on Infrastructure Sharing, which was gazet ted as Statutory 
Instrument Number 137 of 2016 (S.I. 137.2016);  
• Postal and Telecommunications Quality of Service Regulations; and  
• Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Regulations.  
7. Legislation in the Pipeline  
 
• Postal and Telecommunications Bill Amended Licensing and Certification Regulations.  
PART II: QUESTIONS REGARDING THE GOVERNMENT REPORT  
 
Para 6.23, 8.6 Page 13, 16  
 
Question 7  
Referring to Para 6.23 on Measures Introduce to Assist Industry reported that in 2016 provided for 
rebates of customs duties for companies on importation of industrial, mining, agricultural, and 
energy equipment . Meanwhile Para 8.6 on Investment and Environment and Policy reported that 
privileges offered to domestic investors and foreign investors rebates of duty are granted to facilitate 
duty-free importation of capital equipment for use in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and 
energy.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  What is the differences between Para 6.23 and Para 8.6 in terms of rebates of duties and 
privileges offered to domestic invest ors and foreign investors who invested only in Special 
Economic Zones?  
 
Answer  
Tax Incentives to be allowed in Special Economic Zones i.e. Tourism Zone  
Corporate Tax  
Exemption for the first five years of operation and a corporate tax rate of 15% applicable  thereafter.  
Special Initial Allowance on Capital Assets  
To be allowed at the rate of 50% of cost from the first year, and at the rate of 25% in the subsequent 
two years.  
Employees' Tax  
Specialised expatriate staff to be taxed at a flat rate of 15%. All the other staff to be taxed using 
the applicable tax tables  
Non-Residents Withholding Tax on Fees  
Exemption on fees for services that are not locally available.  
Non-Residents Withholding Tax on Royalties  
Exemption is granted.  
Non-Residents Withholding Tax on Dividends  
 
Para 7.23 Page 16  
 
Question 8  
Could Zimbabwe elaborate more details about the tourist visa policy?  
The general Visa policy in the country is reciprocal. What each country requires of Zimbabweans 
when they travel are the same requirements when citizens of that country travel to Zimbabwe. 
Zimbabwe has three Visa Categories, Category A, citizens do not require a Visa to travel to 
Zimbabwe, Category B citizens can apply for Visas at the point of entry into the country and 
Category  C require Visa prior to travelling.  
 
Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) is in the process of introducing the Kaza 
Univisa and a pilot project was carried out between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Countries eligible to the 
Kaza Univisa can acces s the Visa in either Zimbabwe or Zambia and will be able to access the borders 
of the two countries for 30 days without applying for another Visa. At the lapse of the Kaza pilot 
period, Zimbabwe and Zambia agreed to maintain the Visa until the other countr ies from the region 
decide on the way forward.  
 
The tourism sector has continued to lobby for loosening up of the visa regime and the government 
is gradually moving countries from stringent visa categories in order to promote travel into the 
country and bo ost tourism revenue at the same time maintaining security for citizens.  
 
The Immigration Act and its attendant Regulations provide for the imposition of visa requirements 
as an intervention to regulate the entry and stay of foreigners. Though the country's  visa policy is 
based on the international principle of reciprocity, other factors come into play especially in trying 
to promote tourism and country to country relations with investment source markets. The Zimbabwe 
visa policy is therefore informed by var ious factors that include reciprocity, regional standards and 
agreements, bilateral agreements, national investment and tourism promotion considerations.  
The Immigration Act Chapter 4:02, Section 31 provides for the administration of visa requirements 
on foreigners intending to visit Zimbabwe while Regulations 9 (6) and Section 42 guides the 
implementation of this statutory position.  
The Regulations mentioned above provide for a three category visa system as tabulated below;  
 
Category A  
 
These are countries  whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements. There are forty six 
countries under this category.  
 
Category B  
 
These are countries whose nationals require visas to enter Zimbabwe but the visas are granted at 
ports of entry upon payment of the requisite visa statutory fee. One hundred and seventeen (117) 
countries fall under this category.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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Category C  
 
These are countries whose nationals are required to obtain visa before travelling and currently visas 
are applied for online do online. There are  fifty two (52) countries in this category.  
It is important to note that the visa regime is not meant to frustrate investment and tourism but is 
part of the various tools that the Department uses in its endeavour to facilitate movement and 
business.   
 
The visa regime in place today is therefore, not static but is continuously reviewed and relaxed in 
pursuit of ease of doing business under the UN, AU, SADC and COMESA protocols on free movement 
of persons for both investment, tourism and holiday making.  
A look at the visa regime shows that prominent source markets for both investment and tourism fall 
in categories A and B which are categories that do not have restrictive visa requirements.  
As for countries in category C, the requirements to do online and prior  application is mostly 
influenced by security considerations. To minimise inconveniences in this category, the online 
application facility was introduced and has greatly eased the process for Category C nationals.  
 
After entry management of visitors to Zim babwe  
A visitor's visa shall be subject to conditions spelt under section 42 of the Immigration Regulations. 
The conditions relate to the obligations of the visitor, as well as, the validity of the visitor's stay and 
visa extension, where applicable. The i nitial validity of visas of thirty (30) days for business visitors 
and ninety (90) days for tourists are standards that are used at both SADC and COMESA levels as 
contained in the Protocols on the facilitation of Movement of persons (SADC) and the Protocol  on 
the Free Movement of Persons, labour, Services, right of Residence and Establishment (COMESA).  
The Zimbabwe visa regime is, therefore, a highly responsive regime that is constantly reviewed to 
suit the ever changing global terrain. The policy borrows f rom the International principles, regional 
and global best practices including the ease of doing business reforms while remaining a reliable 
security intervention for the Government. The ultimate aim of the regime is to be as open as possible 
yet remaining  robustly secure.  
Para 7.25 Page 16  
 
Question 9  
Could Zimbabwe elaborate more details regarding the preparation of the workforce in the 
tourism sector?  
The preparation of the tourism sector workforce in Zimbabwe is run by vocational training centres, 
technical colleges and universities. The curriculum is centred on the balance of vocational and 
academic focus with the goal of providing competent graduates  that can fill managerial posts as 
vocationally trained workforce could not suffice the needed expertise. The tourism curriculum at 
university level focuses on producing skilled and knowledgeable managerial personnel for the 
industry.  
The university touri sm programs in Zimbabwe balances vocational and liberal aspects of tourism 
training that is vital to producing a well -rounded graduate ready for handling management 
responsibilities. Vocational training in Zimbabwe renders learners to be unable to take man agerial 
responsibilities. The vocationally trained are the skilled workforce for the various areas of the 
hospitality side of tourism. Diploma graduates are most preferred by the industry as they are ready 
to practice tourism as opposed to degree holders. Diploma holders are exposed to a lot of practical 
practice training of this noble industry, whereas the degreed are exposed to industrial attachment 
for a year.  
Zimbabwe's tourism training is skewed towards hospitality and there is no balance in modules w ith 
the private sector's expectations. The tourism authority works closely with all institutions and the 
private sector but there is still a huge gap in manpower development that need to be filled as a 
matter of urgency. Individual tourism industry organiz ations continue to engage in tailored human 
capital development for brand equity.  
 
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  UNITED KINGDOM  
Government Report  
3 Vision 2030 Agenda  
Safety of Investments  
Para 3.14., page 7  
The report states that the Constitution of Zimbabwe also protects and guarantees property rights as 
well as investment protection. The safety of investments in Zimbabwe is guaranteed, and investors 
are free to approach the courts for any dispute resolution, free from government influence.  
 
Question 1  
On agricultural land, wh at assurances can be provided to UK investors that 99 year leases 
are viable, and there will be respect of property rights?  
 
Answer  
The 99 Year lease is issued after a rigorous process where title surveys by the Surveyor General are 
done. There are considerable costs involved. Once a farmer is issued with a 99 Year lease it is not 
expected to be cancelled or withdrawn arbitrarily except if the lessee breaches certain conditions of 
the lease or the lessee himself/herself chooses to have the lease canc elled. The lease provides 
security to the investor/farmer. To date the Government has not cancelled any lease where the 
lessee is abiding by the conditions of the lease.  
Indeed, property rights will be respected as provided for by the Constitution. Already  Government 
has resolved not to acquire BIPPA protected properties where such properties had not been acquired.  
 
3 Vision 2030 Agenda  
Repatriation of dividends  
Para 3.15., page 7  
The report states that "investors are allowed to remit shareholder dividends  through the financial 
system in Zimbabwe."  
 
Question 2  
What measures is Zimbabwe putting in place to guarantee repatriation of forex for 
investors in practice?  
 
Answer  
The Government of Zimbabwe guarantees the repatriation of 100% of the original capital 
investment. In addition, companies are free to remit up to 100% of dividends from net profit after 
tax. However, this is subject availability of foreign currency on the interbank market. The 
Government and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe are putting in place conf idence building measures to 
stabilise the exchange rate in order to attract foreign currency back into the formal system through 
a number of measures including implementation of monetary targeting framework to contain money 
supply growth which has been a m ajor driver of exchange rate depreciation and the promotion of 
export growth.  
 
3 Vision 2030 Agenda  
Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA)  
Para 3.16., page 7  
The report notes that ZIDA is expected to be fully functional in 2020.  
 
Question 3  
Can Zimbabwe elaborate on how ZIDA will work in practice, and when it will be fully 
constituted?  
 
Answer  
ZIDA is an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) created by an Act of P arliament, ZIDA Act 
[Chapter  14:37] promulgated on 7 February 2020. ZIDA, an integration of former Zimbabwe 
Investment Agency (ZIA), Zimbabwe Special Economic Zones Authority (ZIMSEZA) and Joint 
Ventures Unit (JVU), is responsible for promoting, protecting  and facilitating all investments in 
Zimbabwe under one roof. ZIDA is also an advisor to the government on crafting and updating 
National Investment Policy and any other policies which creates an enabling / conducive investment 
environment. Within ZIDA, a One Stop Investments Services Centre (OSISC) was set up and 
mandated to facilitate the provision of investment services such as:  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 67 - 
 
  • Company/Business Registration;  
• Tax registration;  
• Issuance of Investment License;  
• Immigration permits;  
• Processing of Environment al Impact Assessment (EIA);  
• Connectivity to utilities like water and power, obtaining land; and  
• Any other approvals required in respective sectors;  
OSISC, thus streamline, simplify and shortens the turnaround time for investing in Zimbabwe as 
everything i s now done under one roof.  
 
5 Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies  
Para 5.3., page 9  
The report notes that the foreign currency surrender regime requires exporters to utilise their 
retained export receipts in Nostro FCAs within 30 days from the date of receipt, or all unutilised 
balances are sold by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on the inte rbank market.  
 
Question 4  
What plans are in place to ensure that the foreign currency surrender regime does not act 
as a disincentive to UK investors into the export sector in Zimbabwe, given the instability 
of the local currency?  
 
Answer  
The surrender requirements are a short -term measure meant to manage foreign currency in the 
economy and in particular preserving foreign currency for critical import needs such as fuel and 
energy, among other things. It is deemed, however, that the foreign currency surr ender requirement 
leaves the companies with enough foreign currency to meet their import needs. The local currency 
equivalent can also be used to meet the domestic needs without necessarily affecting the company 
operations.  
Nonetheless, authorities are put ting in place measures to stabilise the exchange rate through a 
monetary targeting framework meant to contain money supply growth in the economy. Authorities 
are also implementing various measures meant to restore confidence in the economy given that 
adver se expectations have been a major contributor of exchange rate instability and escalation in 
the inflation rate.  
 
Question 5  
Could Zimbabwe explain what measures are being implemented to ensure the currency 
market operates in a transparent, open and efficient way to accurately reflect the value 
of the currency?  
 
Answer  
In a statement issued on 11 March 2020, the Zimbabwean Government announced that it was 
introducing, with immediate effect, an electronic foreign currency trading platform based on the 
Reuters system is being immediately put in place .10 This platform is meant to allow foreign exchange 
to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined. 
Bureaux de Changes will also participate on this platform th rough their banks (Authorised Dealers).  
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilize the 
exchange rate, where necessary. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through 
the interbank marke t which will use a market determined exchange rate.  
 
 
10 https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/press/March/PRESS -STATEMENT -FX.pd f. WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  5 Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies  
Para 5.6.,  page 9  
The report highlights that the Reserve Bank guaranteed the exchange rate, at par, of foreign 
currency "legacy debts" (debts incurred by private companies in foreign currencies at an expected 
1:1 exchange rate between RTGS dollar and US dollar) subject to verification and ascertaining the 
correct amount of the legacy debt.  
 
Question 6  
How transparent was the verification process for the leg acy debt and what are the 
conditions for legacy debt to be guaranteed at par by the RBZ? How will the repayment of 
this debt be prioritised?  
 
Answer  
All the affected parties are required to submit their applications through their banks. The banks will 
then submit the applications for the legacy debt to be paid at par to the RBZ's Exchange Control 
Division. There is a Committee comprising of the Exchange Control Division and the Ministry of 
Finance to ensure transparency. The Committee would then make recom mendations to the Governor 
for approval.  
 
Question 7  
Are there any dispute resolution mechanisms available to investors whose legacy debts 
or liabilities are not protected under this RBZ guarantee?  
 
Answer  
In the event that the application is rejected, t he applicant is free to make an appeal to the 
Committee. This is done in line with the Exchange Control Appeals procedure under the Statutory 
Instrument (SI) 109 of 1996. The Governor and the Permanent Secretary can consider the 
application. If the applica nt is not satisfied, the issue can further be escalated to the Minister of 
Finance since the Ministry of Finance is the ultimate exchange control authority.  
 
6 Sectoral Performance  
6.2 Mining  
Para 6.11., page 12  
The report states "In addition, with the increased call for transparency and accountability in the 
sector, discussions are underway with various stakeholders on joining the Extractive Industry 
Transparency Initiative (EITI), which will be pursued in 2020."   
 
Question 8  
Could Zimbabwe provide an update on progress here and advise what progress is being 
made in digitising mining licenses in the country, which would make purchasing mining 
licenses more transparent for both existing license holders and international investors?  
 
Answer  
The Ministry is making progress towards the Cadastre System albeit with huge financial constraints. 
Various pieces of hardware have been purchased, the issue of lack of foreign currency to pay the 
contractor is the main hi ndrance.  
 
7.5 Energy related services  
Para 7.27., page 16  
The report states "Zimbabwe has been facing power shortages due to limited electricity generation 
capacity at Kariba Hydro Power station due to low water levels attributed to drought, and also limit ed 
output at Hwange Thermal Power Station. Plans to add more than 2200 MW of generation capacity 
which will make uninterrupted power supply within the next 3 -5 years are under way. The Batoka 
Gorge Hydro Power Project and the Hwange 7 & 8 Thermal Expansion  Power Project are being rolled 
out. Opportunities for investment in the energy sector are available including other renewable energy 
sources such as wind and solar."  
 
Question 9  
Can Zimbabwe advise how it will support investment into the distributed rene wable power 
sector, by ensuring consistent implementation of duty free imports of solar equipment for 
example?  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 69 - 
 
  Answer  
• Implementation of the Net metering regulations  
• Establishment of NODAL Agency (one stop shop investment centre for renewable energy 
projects) to speed up approvals of renewable energy investments  
• Revision of SI 147 of 2010 to include Duty free importation of all renewable energy 
equipment  
• Setting up of a green fund for Renewable energy projects  
• Tax exemptions for Renewable Energy Project s for a period up to five years  
• Awarding of National Project Status Renewable Energy Projects  
Question 10  
What is Zimbabwe doing to eliminate market barriers in renewable energy and open up 
the renewable energy sector (particularly solar) to international investment?  
• The sector has remained open for private sector participation in line with set regulations. 
The Ministry has just launched the renewable and bio -fuels policies which shows 
Government's commitment towards rapid implementation on re newable energy 
technologies. Government will also set up a Establishment of NODAL Agency (one stop 
shop investment centre for renewable energy projects) to speed up approvals of 
renewable energy investments . 
• Relevant regulations shall be crafted to support  the implementation of the policies i.e. 
the establishment of a competitive procurement framework for renewable energy 
projects mainly large solar projects.  
8 Investment environment and policy  
Para 8.1., page 16  
The report highlights several opportunities for investment in state enterprises and parastatals.  
Question 11  
Can Zimbabwe provide an update on the process of privatization of state enterprises and 
parastatals? What assurances can Zimbabwe provide that this process will be fair and 
transparent, and open to international bidders?  
Answer  
In 2018, the second Republic of Zimbabwe approved a  State Enterprises Reform Framework  
which identified 43 State Enterprises and Parastatals for reforms. The identified state owned 
enterprises (SOEs) identified for reforms were categorised specific reform strategies which are 
privatisation, merging, unbundling, departmentalisation and perfo rmance reviews.  
The shares of SOEs identified for privatisation will be offered to foreign and/or domestic investors, 
in which, the ultimate investor will be selected through a competitive bidding process. Competitive 
bidding process grants equal opportun ities to both domestic and foreign investors to invest in SOEs.  
Technical Committees which comprise of Government departments chaired by responsible line 
ministries leads the implementation of privatisation of SOEs. The Technical Committees are advised 
by Independent Transactional Advisors selected through competitive bidding procedures in line with 
the Public Procurement Legislation. The engagement of Transactional Advisors shows Government 's 
commitment in professionalising the privatisation process.  
Update on the status of the 43 SOEs identified for Specific Reform Strategies:  
Privatisation   
1. Agribank  
2. Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ)  
3.  POSB  
4. Tel-One 
5. Net-One  
6. Petrotrade  
7. Allied Timbers  
8. ZIMPOST  
9. ZUPCO  
10. ZMDC subsidiaries  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  11. IDC subsidiaries  
The partial privatisation transactions are at various stages of implementation and the expected 
completion time being December 2020.  
12. ZISCO Steel  
• Government reconsidering Disposal of Government shareholding to suitable investor.  
 
Reconstructi on 
13. Air Zimbabwe  
• The company is under reconstruction arrangement as provided by the Reconstruction 
of State -Indebted Insolvent Companies Act [Chapter 24:27] and Grant Thornton is the 
Administrator.  
 
Public Private Partnership (PPP)  
14. Cold Storage Company (CSC ) 
• PPP arrangement with Boustead Beef Company concluded  
15. National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ)  
• PPP partner yet to be identified by December 2020  
16. Road Motor Services (RMS)  
• The reform of RMS aligned to the restructuring of NRZ.  
 
Unbundling  
17. Grain Marketing Board  
• The commercial business unit of the Grain Marketing Board had already been separated 
into a standalone company named Silo Food Industries Ltd.  
18. Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)  
• The Civil Aviation Legislation was amended to allow s eparation of regulatory functions 
from operation functions. Implementation of the amended legislation is currently 
underway.  
Merging  
19. Powertel  
• To be merged with Zarnet and Africom.  
20. Zarnet  
• To be merged with Powertel and Africom.  
21. Africom  
• To be merged with Za rnet and Powertel.  
22. ZESA Group  
• Consolidation of 4 ZESA subsidiaries companies into a single entity. Implementation in 
progress and expected to be completed by December 2020.  
23. Postal & Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)  
24. Consultations  in progress on merging the entity with Broadcasting Authority of 
Zimbabwe.  
25. Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ)  
• Consultations in progress on merging the entity with POTRAZ.  
26. Special Economic Zones Authority  
• Merged with Zimbabwe Investment Authority and  Joint Venture Unit in forming 
Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA).  
27. Zimbabwe Investment Authority  
• Merged with Special Economic Zones Authority and Joint Venture Unit in forming 
Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA).  
28. Women 's bank  
• Decision to merge the bank with Small & Medium Enterprises Development Corporation 
(SMEDCO) and Empower bank was reversed. The bank to remain as standalone entity.  
29. Empower Bank  
• Decision to merge the bank with Small & Medium Enterprises Development Corporat ion 
(SMEDCO) and Women 's bank was reversed. The bank to remain as standalone entity.  
30. Zimtrade  
• A decision to merge the entity in forming ZIDA was reversed and the entity remained a 
standalone entity.  
31. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority  
• A decision to merge the entity in forming ZIDA was reversed and the entity remained a 
standalone entity.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Performance Reviews  
32. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks)  
• Performance Review was completed and board implementing the recommendations.  
33. Forestry Commissio n 
• Performance Review was completed and board implementing the recommendations.  
34. Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation  
• Performance Review was completed and the recommendations awaiting adoption by 
Government.  
35. Environmental Management Agency  
• Performance Review was completed and board implementing the recommendations.  
36. Scientific And Industrial Research And Development Centre (SIRDC)  
• Performance Review had been completed and the recommendations awaiting adoption 
by Government.  
37. The Zimbabwe Nation al Roads Administration (ZINARA)  
• Performance Review is yet to be re -done following failure by previous consultant to 
effectively perform the review and the procurement process for the new Consultant is 
currently underway.  
Departmentalization  
38. National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board  
• Successfully departmentalised under Ministry of Industry and Commerce.  
39. National Liquor Licencing Authority  
• Successfully departmentalised under Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.  
40. National L ibrary and Documentation Services  
• Successfully departmentalised under Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.  
41. The Boxing and Wrestling Boards  
• The policy decision to departmentalise the entity is yet to be reconsidered.  
42. National Competitiveness Commiss ion 
• The decision to departmentalise the Commission under the Line ministry was reverse 
and the entity remained a standalone entity.  
43. Board of Censors  
• The decision to departmentalise the Board under the Line ministry was reverse and the 
entity remained a sta ndalone entity.  
44. Lotteries and Gaming Board  
• The decision to departmentalise the Board under the Line ministry was reverse and the 
entity remained a standalone entity.  
Measures Specific to Privatisation (Transparency)  
Independent transactional Advisors iden tified through competitive bidding as provided in the Public 
Procurement Legislation would advise the implementation of privatisation transactions. The Adverts 
for procuring Transaction Advisors were open to both domestic and international consulting firms  in 
line with principle of transparency.  
 
The Investors are being identified through the competitive bidding process to ensure transparency 
and equal opportunities to all potential investors.  
 
9 Administration of standards and quality  
Para 9.3., page 17  
The report states "Zimbabwe also implements the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment 
Programme (CBCA) which involves pre -export verification of about 12,5% of the goods in the tariff 
handbook. The CBCA is conducted under the auspices of Statutory Instrume nt 132 of 2015. Of the 
goods under the CBCA programme only goods accompanied by a conformity assessment certificate 
may be imported into the country."  
 
Question 12  
Can Zimbabwe advise on how the scope and implementation of the Consignment Based 
Conformity Assessment is managed, so as not to negatively impact on critical imports, 
such as in the solar sector?  
 
Answer  
The CBCA Programme regulates products in the following categories: food and agricultural products; 
fertilizers; building and civil engineering products; certain petroleum and fuels (not inspected by the 
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Agency); packaging material; electrical/electronic products; body care 
products; automotive and transportation goods; clothing and textiles; and toys.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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The CBCA programme process includes the following:  
 
The exporter lodges a request for certificate to a Service Provider and the request should include 
the following:  
• List, designation and price of goods intended to be exported, if available; transport and 
insurance price, importer/exporter details  
• Conformity documents available (ex: third party certificate, test reports, reports of 
analysis, certificate of the manufacturer according to ISO 9001 or other quality 
standard)  
• Information related to local  and provisional date of availability of goods to carry out 
their physical inspection before shipment (completion of the request for certificate form 
(RFC).  
 
The CBCA Programme helps to protect consumers from sub -standard products and helps them to 
obtain value for money on critical imports such as the example given by the EU of the solar sector. 
Therefore, the "fit for purpose" of critical imports cannot be compromised.  
 
In order to expedite the process for frequent traders of homogenous goods that have re asonable 
and consistent levels of quality, exporters/producers can be registered by the approved service 
provider under Route B of the CBCA process. Route B offers a fast track certification process for 
goods as the assessment will be conducted on register ed goods and any available documents from 
exporters/producers are taken into account.  
 
8 Investment environment and policy  
Para 8.7., page 17  
The report mentions that Zimbabwe's new National Investment Policy seeks to increase the share 
of private sector investment to upwards of 25 per cent of GDP by 2030, restore and sustain investor 
confidence through guarantees over investment protection, policy consistency, and transparency 
throughout the entire investment management cycle.  
 
Question 13  
Can Zimbabwe pr ovide clarification on what guarantees over investment protection, 
policy consistency and transparency will be provided to private investors, and how these 
guarantees can be enforced internationally?  
 
Investment guarantees are provided for in Part III of t he Zimbabwe Investment and 
Development Agency Act. Investors are guaranteed of the following:  
 
Freedom of Investment  
Investors can invest freely in any of the economic sectors of Zimbabwe in the same form and under 
the same conditions as defined for local individuals under the same applicable laws and regulations.  
 
Non-discrimination between domestic and foreign investm ent and among foreign 
investors  
Investors shall be accorded treatment that is no less favourable than that it accords, in like 
circumstances to domestic investors. The same treatment shall be accorded to foreign investors 
regardless of their origin.  
 
Emplo yment of senior expatriate staff  
An investor may appoint any individual as a senior manager regardless of their nationality in respect 
to the investment made on Zimbabwe.  
 
Fair and equitable treatment  
Guarantee against expropriation  
The Government shall not expropriate or cause to be nationalized any investment and neither shall 
it compel an investor to cede an investment to another person. This can only be done if its for public 
purpose in an non -discriminatory manner and on payment of prompt, adequate a nd effective 
compensation. The compensations will be equivalent to the fair market value of the expropriated 
investment immediately before the expropriation took place.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Transparency  
The Government is obligated to made publicly available in a timely manner  all laws, regulations, 
procedures and administrative rulings that have an impact on investment.  
 
Transfer of Funds  
Investors are guaranteed the transfer of funds in a freely convertible currency into and outside 
Zimbabwe. The funds include capital, cont ractual obligations, profits and dividends and earning and 
other remuneration among others. Delay and or prevention of the transfer of funds may be allowed 
only in cases of bankruptcy, criminal offences or when they are investigations by the law 
enforcemen t agencies.  
 
Zimbabwe is committed to ensuring and promoting security of investment as demonstrated by its 
active participation in Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements and the enactment of the Zimbabwe 
Investment and Development Agency Act.  
Zimbabwe is s ignatory to a number of Bilateral Investment Treaties that guarantee security of 
investment and protection of private property from expropriation.  
Zimbabwe is also a member of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the Africa Trade 
Insurance Age ncy (ATI), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), 
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the New York Convention on the Enforcement 
of Arbitral Awards and the United Nations Convention on International Trade La w (UNCITRAL), 
amongst others.  
The enactment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Act, an overarching 
investment law, complemented by the Ease of Doing Business reforms, are part of the new 
dispensation's initiative's towards improving the cou ntry's attractiveness and reputation as a best 
destination for global investments.  
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Act provides a clear comprehensive and binding 
legal and regulatory framework for the conduct of investment activities, by both domestic and foreign 
investors.  
Furthermore, the Act guarantees security of all investments in the country, including security from 
expropriation or any form of activity which might lead to the same effect.  
In the same vein, the Govern ment of Zimbabwe developed a new National Investment Policy, which 
was unveiled by His Excellency, the President in September 2019, which is a focused initiative that 
defines the investment climate of the country, outlining strategic investment options and  providing 
comprehensive framework for coordination, facilitation, promotion, protection and retention of 
investment in Zimbabwe.  
 
12 Trade Policies and Practices  
Para 12.3., page 19  
The government report states that the National Trade Policy (2019 – 2023) seeks to reform and 
open up Zimbabwe for free and fair trade, in line with the multilateral trading system.  
 
Question 14  
Can Zimbabwe add further clarification on how they plan to work with countries exporting 
and investing in the market to remove spe cific market access barriers that are impeding 
foreign export and investment?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe is implementing COMESA NTB Regulations and Elimination programme which provides a 
simplified way of reporting NTBs in a bid to facilitate trade and ease of doin g business across borders. 
These regulations are found on the Tripartite NTB Online reporting, monitoring and elimination 
system that has provided the Tripartite Region with a tool to report, monitor and eliminate NTBs. 
The purpose of the online system is to reduce trade restrictions between trading nations. The 
recently launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) NTB online reporting and elimination 
mechanism was developed on the basis of the Tripartite mechanism. The Tripartite NTBs Online 
Repor ting, Monitoring & Eliminating Mechanism portal can be accessed on; www.tradebarriers.org . 
 
In the case were concerns are raised with regard to specific market access barriers that are impeding 
foreign export and investment, Zimbabwe will attend to these on a case by case basis   WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM  
WT/TPR/G/398 – Governm ent Report  
 
5 Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies  
Para 5.3., page 9  
 
The report notes that the foreign currency surrender regime requires exporters to utilise their 
retained export receipts in Nostro FCAs within 30 days from the date of receipt, or all unu tilised 
balances are sold by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on the interbank market.  
 
Question 4  
What plans are in place to ensure that the foreign currency surrender regime does not act as a 
disincentive to UK investors into the export sector in Zimbabwe, given the instability of the local 
currency?  
 
Your response to Question 4 defines the surrender regime as a 'short -term measure'. 
Could you give an indication of how long this measure will be in place?  
 
Response  
 
No timeline can be given because the administration and enforcement of foreign exchange surrender 
requirements in most developing  countries, including Zimbabwe is a function of foreign exchange 
demand and supply dynamics and attendant implications for strategic imports. This notwithstanding 
the focus of the authorities is to continue with ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at  
stabilising inflation to levels within the Southern African Development Community macroeconomic 
convergence targets of 3 -7% for year on year inflation. It is envisaged that achievement of a stable 
and convertible domestic legal tender within the medium te rm would address current concerns 
regarding surrender requirements as exporters would voluntarily offer their foreign exchange to the 
market in order to finance their domestic operations.  
 
6 Sectoral Performance  
6.2 Mining  
Para 6.11., page 12  
 
The report states "In addition, with the increased call for transparency and accountability in the 
sector, discussions are underway with various stakeholders on joining the Extractive Industry 
Transparency Initiative (EITI), which will be pursued in 2020."  
 
Question 8  
Could Zimbabwe provide an update on progress here and advise what progress is being made in 
digitising mining licenses in the country, which would make purchasing mining licenses more 
transparent for both existing license holders and internation al investors?  
 
Please could you provide an update on progress on joining the Extractive Industry 
Transparency Initiative (EITI). By what date do you hope to have joined by?  
 
Response  
 
The Ministry of Mines has engaged a contractor to instal a Mining Cadast re Information Management 
System,  which will see the digitalisation of all mining titles. So far the Mutare office was set up as a 
pilot project,  equipment for one provincial office has already been delivered. Processes for payment 
for delivery of equipmen t and software for the other provincial offices and head offices are underway. 
In the meantime, provinces are capturing information using Microsoft excel,  data on tattered maps 
is also being captured, in preparation for the main system when it is fully ins talled.  
 
On Joining EITI , sensitisation workshops were affected by Covid -19 pandemic and as such no 
specific timeline can be given.  
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  
QUESTIONS BASED ON THE SECRETARIAT'S REPORT  
2 TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 28, paragraph 2.18: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe has not passed 
enabling legislation for the WTO Agreement despite ratification in March 1995, meaning the WTO 
Agreement has not been d omesticated into Zimbabwean law.  
 
Question 1  
Please provide a timeline for Zimbabwe to pass enabling legislation for the WTO 
agreement framework.  
 
Answer  
The processes to pass the enabling WTO legislation is already in motion. This process would require 
approval of the Parliament of Zimbabwe and Senate and thereafter Presidential Assent. We hope 
that during the current parliamentary session that ends in 2023 before the next elections some 
progress would have been made in this regard.  
 
Page 28, paragraph 2 .19: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe has submitted a total 
of 11 notifications under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, including domestic support notifications 
for five years (Table DS:1 - 1995 to 1999) and export subsidy notifications for 23 years (Table ES:1 
and Table ES:2 – 1995 to 2017).  
 
Question 2  
Please provide a timeline for when Zimbabwe will provide overdue Committee on 
Agriculture notifications.  
 
Answer  
The country endeavors to provide the outstanding current notifications on Agriculture for the period 
2017 – 2019 before the end of the year. The country has staff constrains and capacity challenges 
that are impacting negatively on its quest to fulfil its notification obligations.   
 
2.3.2.4 AfCFTA  
Page 33, parag raph 2.33 – 2.36: The Secretariat's report briefly discusses the AfCFTA and the 
establishment of the African Union. Since its establishment, the AU has created the AU Peace Fund 
to finance its peace and security programs, in part, through a 0.2% levy on al l eligible imported 
goods into the continent.  
 
Question 3  
Can you confirm whether Zimbabwe is collecting a 0.2 percent levy on imports onto the 
Continent to generate funds to implement the Kigali Decision on the AU Peace Fund?  
 
Answer  
Notwithstanding the Kigali Decision on the AU Peace Fund, Zimbabwe is currently not collecting a 
0.2% levy on imports onto the Continent to generate funds to implement the Kigali Decision.  
A decision was made at the AU level of Heads of State and Governmen t that Member States wo are 
able to contribute to their assessed budget without resorting to the agreed percentage sold do so. 
Zimbabwe decided to continue to contribute from the voted funds, since it is a constitutional 
requirement that all revenue is dep osited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund ad allocated as 
authorised by Parliament. This is in line with Government thrust of transparency and accountability.  
 
Question 4  
If so, we would appreciate additional, detailed information on how it is collected.  
 
Answer:  
Not applicable  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  2.3.3 Relations with the European Union  
Page 34, paragraph 2.37: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe briefly describes its 
relationship with the European Union, but more specifically the Interim European Partnership 
Agreement (EPA) between Zimbabwe and the EU. The EPA covers many aspects of trade, from 
mining, services, to SPS and agriculture.  
 
Question 5  
How will Zimbabwe work with the EU, and other WTO Members who trade with Zimbabwe, 
to achieve the appropriate level of SPS protection and is significantly less restrictive to 
trade?  
 
Answer  
Agreements with EU or other WTO members will be based on the provisions of the WTO SPS 
agreement.  
The Government will ensure the implementation of international standards (ISPM), H armonization 
updating of standards /legislation at national and regional level, Implementation of standards that 
are scientifically justified and Conduct risk based PRA.  
 
Question 6  
As of 2020, Zimbabwe has not notified any measures associated with impleme ntation of 
the EPA to either the SPS or TBT Committees. Since 1995, Zimbabwe has only notified five 
SPS measures to the WTO. Has Zimbabwe implemented SPS measures since 1995 that 
were not notified to the WTO? If so, what measures were they? When will Zimba bwe start 
notifying SPS and TBT measures, per its WTO commitments?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe has notified 5 SPS -Food safety measures and will continue to notify more in future.  
However, there is need for country based capacity development on how to make notificat ions. 
Further to this some of the enquiry points may experience connectivity challenges. Enquiry points 
have been provided with hardware for this purpose but licensed software was not provided and 
connectivity is a challenge.  
Measures were implemented sinc e 1995 but can only provide measures that were implemented from 
the last TRP review done in 2011.  
A numbers of SPS measures were adopted from 2011 to date:  
 
2014 
• Health certificate on importation of cattle was amended to include the following clause 
"The animals may only be disposed of after 3 years while breeding, under close 
veterinary monitoring."  
• With effect from October 2014 a new pre -requisite requirement on importation of cattle 
was effected. Applicants are now required to submit a breeder's ce rtificate or breeder's 
confirmation letter and state or authorised veterinarian confirmation letter on breeding 
status and veterinary supervision of head.  
• Clause 9 on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on the health certificate on 
importation of day  old chicks and hatching eggs was amended in line with Terrestrial 
Animal Health Code 2014. The clause " the country must be free from active highly 
pathogenic avian influenza in poultry" was amended  to read " the country, zone , or 
compartment must be free from active highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry.  The 
clause "the poultry flocks of origin are located in districts free from highly pathogenic 
avian influenza, and more than 300Km away from any highly pathogenic avian influenza 
outbreak in the cou ntry." to read " the poultry flocks of origin are located in districts free 
from highly pathogenic avian influenza."  
2015 
• Health certificate on importation of blood meal was amended for Botswana , to read " 
the processing temperature 90 degree Celsius for a  minimum period of 30 minutes at 
an absolute pressure 400 -800 Kpa." from temperature of 133 degree Celsius for a 
minimum period of 20 minutes at an absolute pressure of three bar.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  • Health certificate for importation of fish , the following condition has bee n added " 
declare freedom from algae toxins and seasons for harvesting of fish "  
2016 
• Health import conditions certificates were developed for importation of racing pigeons 
from The Netherlands, Kuwait, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Namibia, Angola and China.  
• Health certificate on the importation of ducklings from South Africa was amended.  
• Testing for Johne's disease on importation of cattle, sheep and goats was amended on 
health certificates to include the ELISA test  
• PCR test was added on the health certific ate for importation of semen to test for 
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis  
• Health certificate for importation of ornamental fish from South Africa was amended  
2018 
Proposed health certificate for export of bovine semen from the Netherlands was adopted.  
 
2019 
Proposed health certificates for importation of live sheep, goats, cattle, frozen bovine embryos and 
frozen semen from Canada and the United States of America were reviewed and adopted by both 
countries.  
 
Movement restrictions of animals due to dise ase outbreaks were effected for the following diseases.  
 
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in 2017.  
• Tick borne Disease Theileriosis 2017, they areas under quarantine at the moment.  
• Foot and Mouth Disease since 2011 they have been both new and recurrent out breaks, 
all affected areas were quarantined  
• Anthrax sporadic outbreaks have been experienced and all affected areas quarantined.  
• African Swine Fever 2019 affected areas under quarantine.  
Quarantine measures are affected as and when outbreaks occur and are lifted when outbreak has 
been resolved  
 
Suspensions  
Importation of poultry and poultry products from South Africa is on suspension due to HPAI outbreak 
that occurred in 2018.  
Notificatio ns to the WTO SPS will be done from this year 2020 as per the commitments of the 
agreement.  
 
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
3.1.1.1 Procedures  
Page 3 9, paragraph 3.4: Zimbabwe ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in October 
2018. It notified its category A designation of Articles 10.6 and 12 in October 2016. According to 
this self -designation, as of February 22, 2017, Zimbabwe committed to submit a transparency 
notification on: i) the use of customs brokers under Article 10.6.2 and ii) customs contact points for 
the exchange of information under Article 12.2.2.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 7  
When will Zimbabwe fulfill its commitments and submit its transpar ency notifications 
under Articles 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 of the TFA?  
 
Answer  
The country is cognizant of the notification obligations it has under the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement need to make and will work towards ensuring that these transparency notifica tions under 
Articles 10.6.2 and 12.2.2 are met before 31 December 2020.  
Page 41, paragraph 3.9: In 2015, Zimbabwe introduced a preshipment inspection requirement for 
conformity assessment on quality grounds for several imported products.   
 
Question 8  
Does Zimbabwe intend to notify the Secretariat of these changes to its laws and 
regulations related to preshipment inspection under Article 5 of the Agreement on 
Preshipment Inspection? When will the notifications occur?  
 
Answer:  
Zimbabwe made a notification to the WTO on the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment 
(CBCA) Programme, G/TBT/N/ZWE/1 dated 4 April 2016  
 
Question 9  
How did Zimbabwe choose Bureau Veritas Inspection Valuation Assessment Control 
(Private) Limited company to be the only en tity designated to conduct preshipment 
inspection under its regime?  
 
Answer  
The Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme was introduced in 2015 as a 
pilot programme and the service provider who showed interest in undertaking the pilot prog ramme 
was recruited. However, the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme is now 
being reviewed and a competitive bidding process is being finalized. The programme will now have 
more service providers.  
 
Question 10  
What measures does Zimba bwe have in place to implement Article 2 of the Agreement on 
Preshipment Inspection related to Non -discrimination, Government Requirements, Site of 
Inspection, Standards, Transparency, Protection of Confidential Business Information, 
Conflicts of Interest,  Delays, Price Verification, Appeals Procedures, and Derogations with 
respect to pre -shipment inspection activities?  
 
Answer  
Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Programme is a pre -export verification of 
conformity to standards programme which i s a conformity assessment procedure based on Article 5 
of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (WTO/TBT Agreement). The CBCA Programme 
does not undertake the verification of the quantity, the price, including currency exchange rate and 
financial t erms, and/or the customs classification of goods of regulated goods exported to Zimbabwe. 
The CBCA Programme is concerned with the conformity of products to the required standards in 
order to protect the consumer and the environment from dangerous, substan dard or counterfeit 
products and to safeguard the country from unfair trade practices and dumping of substandard 
goods. Therefore, this pre -export verification of conformity programme is not a pre -shipment 
inspection measure but a conformity assessment mea sure. 
 
3.1.1.3 Customs Valuation  
Page 43, paragraph 3.26:  The dutiable value of imports into Zimbabwe is the sum of the purchase 
cost plus all expenses incurred for insurance and freight up to the point of entry into Zimbabwe. In 
the absence of proof of in surance and freight charges, an estimate of the cost is calculated in the 
following way: for goods imported by air, the cost of freight and insurance is estimated at 15% of 
the f.o.b. value of the goods; the corresponding percentage is 1% for imports other  than by air, and 
5%-7.5% for imports "loaded into the importer's means of transport".  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 11  
Please explain how these estimated costs for insurance and freight, in the absence of 
proof, are consistent with Article 8.3 of the Agreement on Customs va luation11 which 
requires that additions to the price actually paid or payable be made only on the basis of 
objective and quantifiable data.  
 
Answer  
The estimated costs of calculating freight and insurance only applies in instances where the importer 
has failed to submit substantive proof of such costs or in instances where the importer provides his 
own transport and does not charge for the service. The computation of the estimates was based on 
the average costs of such insurance and freight as declared in previous transactions, hence its 
objectivity and it is quantifiable. Therefore, such computed estimates of insurance and freight are 
consistent with Article 8.3. of the WTO Valuation Agreement.  
 
3.1.3.1 Applied MFN tariffs  
Page 44, paragraph 3.29 .  
Zimbabwe grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners, including those that are not WTO 
Members. Its 2019 applied MFN customs tariff is based on the HS 2017 version of the Harmonized 
Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), and comprises 6,380 lines at the eight -digit level. 
Zimbabwe's simple average applied MFN tariff increased from 15.4% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2019 
(Table 3.3). In November 2018, a new statutory instrument listed a large array of food, beverages, 
consumer goods and vehicles whose import duties are to be paid exclusively in foreign currencies. 
Beverages, spirits and tobacco are the most protected sectors (Table 3.4).  
 
Question 12  
The Secretariat's report notes that Zimbabwe has not reduced its average MFN applied  
tariff rate since 2011, does Zimbabwe intend to move forward in lowering its average MFN 
applied tariff for agriculture?  
 
Answer  
Agriculture is the pillar of the Zimbabwe an economy, especially rural folk who depend on the sector 
for their livelihood. In that regard, in the short to medium term, Zimbabwe has no plans to lower 
the applied tariff rates for agriculture. However, it is also important to note that the adoption o f the 
local currency has already reduced effective rates of duty, given the movements in the exchange 
rate against major foreign currencies.  
 
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.2 WTO tariff bindings  
Page 47, paragraph 3.33:  The Secretariat's report indicates that Zimbab we's applied MFN tariff 
rate for a range of products, including some agricultural products (listed in table 3.6), exceeds the 
bound rate for those goods.  
 
Question 13  
Please explain why Zimbabwe exceeded its bound rates for each of the commodities listed 
in table 3.6. Further, please provide steps that will be taken to bring the applied tariff 
rates at or below the bound WTO rates.  
 
Answer  
For fresh water fish, wood, paper & paperboard and fabrics, the tariff rates are meant to promote 
local industry. Con sultations with the relevant private sector players will be undertaken, with a view 
to bring the applied tariff rates at or below the bound WTO rates or if need be, renegotiate the tariff 
bindings, in order to reflect policy preferences for the country  
 
 
11 Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Tr ade 1994 . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 14  
Does Zimbabwe propose to modify or withdraw concessions for those tariff lines that 
exceed their bound rates? If so, when does Zimbabwe intend to notify contracting parties? 
If not, please explain why.  
 
Answer:  
Currently, there are no available concessions for the cited tariff lines that exceeds the bound rates. 
Consultations are ongoing, with a view to align the tariff rates to be in compliance with WTO 
provisions and contracting parties will be accordingly notified, once this is finalised.  
 
3.1.6 Duty concessions, suspensions, exemptions or rebates  
Page 54, paragraph 3.42: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe has a multi -layered 
import licensing regime. The list of products subject to licensing by the Ministry of Industry and 
Comme rce (MIC) was recently shortened, however the remaining agricultural products also require 
import permits issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).  
 
Question 15  
What is the purpose of requiring permission to import from two Ministries?  
Answer  
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) issues import licences for specific products that are 
manufactured by local industry in accordance with the Control of Goods Act and Statutory Instrument 
122 of 2017 and Statutory Instrument 237A of 2018. The purpose of import licensing from the 
perspective of MIC is for statistical purposes and to monitor imports of products which local industry 
already produces. Most recently howe ver, Statutory Instrument 60 of 2020 was gazetted which 
removed import licensing for flour, grain and maize meal. SI 237A (2018) and SI60 (2020) do not 
place any products under the import licensing regime of MIC but actually remove the need for 
licensing o f the specified products which altogether comprise 32 product lines.  
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) issues for its own reasons that it can explain.  
Products requiring licensing from both MIC and MOA are agro -processed products such as margarine, 
flour, cooking oil whose main raw materials are directly obtained from the agricultural sector.  
 
Question 16  
Please explain the complete process, including interactions with various ministry officials, 
an importer  must follow in order to obtain an import license for those agricultural 
products. Please provide an online link for the MOA's import licensing policy.  
 
Answer  
At MIC, an importer must submit an application letter stating the products to be imported, their 
quantity and value. The letter must give reasons for importation which are documented by the 
Ministry for information purposes. The application letter must be accompanied by an invoice or pro -
forma invoice.  
Corporate applicants must, in addition, submit a copy of the tax clearance certificate, copy of 
certificate of incorporation, copies of the CR14 which lists the company's registered directors, the 
CR6 which lists the company's registered address and a copy of an up to date Standards 
Development Fund Levy receipt. These licensing requirements and proced ures are stated on pages 
872-874 of SI 122 (2017).  
Once an application is submitted to the Ministry at the Reception on the 13th floor, Mukwati Building, 
Harare. From there, the applications are all recorded and filed then the files are given to relevant 
officers who will process the application. Once the application is approved (usually within 3 working 
days), the applicants can come to the Ministry's offices and pay the licence processing fee 
(ZW$150.00) whereupon the hardcopy licence will now be written and issued out.  
The Ministry has now introduced an online application process where all the documents listed above 
are uploaded on the import licensing online portal and then processed online by relevant Ministry 
officials online applications can be proces sed same day or even in a matter of hours. The measure 
has streamlined the application and issuance of import licenses by MIC.  
Online applicants must visit the website: https://zimeservices.pfms.gov.zw  
For p ermits issued by the Ministry responsible for Agriculture, the first step is an application, in 
person, for a plant import permit from the Department of Research and Specialist Services in Harare 
or the Head Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection Services I nstitute in Mazowe. A permit is required 
for all plants and plant products entering Zimbabwe. The process involves pest risk analysis, and a 
decision by the Chief Plant Quarantine Office on whether pre -shipment inspection is required. A WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  weekly schedule is compiled by the NPPO for approval, together with a recommendation for approval 
(or not) by the approving authority. Registration of the applicant with the Agricultural Marketing 
Authority is a pre -requirement. The second step involves an application for a biosafety permit from 
the National Biotechnology Authority (See also 3.2.3.1). The third step involves the issuance of an 
import permit by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement. This 
process takes about 14 days. In the c ase of approval, a permit is issued. There is no website yet 
that allows for import handling permit applications. The applicable fees are USD 5 for commercial 
imports and USD 1 for other imports.  
 
3.1.7 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing  
3.1.7.1 Import licensing, controls and other restrictions  
 
Page 54, paragraphs 3.42 -3.45: The Secretariat's report includes a list of products in table 3.10 
that have been identified as being subject to licensing under MIC and the Control of Goods. 
Paragraph 3 .42 of the report indicates that the procedures for modifying the non -automatic import 
licensing change frequently. The United States still encourages Zimbabwe to formally notify these 
changes to the WTO Import Licensing Committee. The permit regime admini stered by the MOA is 
less transparent and appears to be implemented through acts and regulations including the "Animal 
Health (Import) Regulation of 1989" and the "Grain Marketing Act".  
 
Question 17  
 
Please provide an update on amendments to these acts an d the lists of products subject 
to the import requirements  contained within.  
 
Answer  
Since the last TPR in 2011, the main legislation on import licensing - the Control of Goods (Import 
and Export) (Commerce) Regulations, under the authority of the MIC, was amended by the gazetting 
of SI 126/14, SI 6/16 SI 18/16, SI 19/16, SI 20/16 and SI 64/16. Between 2014 and 2016, these 
legislation incrementally added products to the import licencing regime. In 2017, SI 122/17 
consolidated all the previous instru ments cited above, into one instrument, SI 122/17 which also 
removed the import licensing requirement for some  products. The most recent legislation, S.I. 
237A/18 and SI 60/20  amended S.I.  122/17 by removing import licensing requirement (from MIC) 
for 32 p roduct lines.  
 
Question 18  
Please provide and explain which other acts and statutory instruments regulate the 
importation of agricultural products  into Zimbabwe.  
 
Answer  
The National Biotechnology Authority regulates agricultural products in Zimbabwe using the National 
Biotechnology Authority Act [ Chap.14:31 ] of 2006 and regulations which are as follows:  
i. National Biotechnology Authority (Food, Feed, Food and Feed Additives and Seed) 
(Import, Export and Transit) Regulations, 2018, Statutory Ins trument 157 of 2018.  
ii. National Biotechnology Authority (Genetically Modified Food and Feed) (Labelling), 
Regulations, 2018, Statutory Instrument 159 of 2018.  
iii. National Biotechnology Authority (Agricultural Biotechnology Products), Regulations, 
2018, Statutory Instrument 160 of 2018.  
iv. Plant Pests and Diseases Act Chapter 19.08  
v. Plant Pests and Diseases (Importation) Regulations, 1976  
vi. Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection Services Institute issues the plant health import 
permit  
vii. Animal Health Act  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question  19 
Where can this information be found online?  
 
Answer  
MIC is in process of publishing the information on its website; www.mic.gov.zw  
For Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, the website is being upd ated to include 
current information.  
 
Question 20  
Which administrative  bodies of the MOA issue the import permits?  
 
Answer  
For imports, the first step is an application, in person, for a plant import permit from the Department 
of Research and Specialist Services in Harare or the Head Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection 
Services Institute in Mazowe. A permit is required for all plants and plant products entering 
Zimbabwe. The process involves pest risk analysis, and a decision by the Chief Plant Quaranti ne 
Office on whether pre -shipment inspection is required. A weekly schedule is compiled by the NPPO 
for approval, together with a recommendation for approval (or not) by the approving authority. 
Registration of the applicant with the Agricultural Marketing  Authority is a pre -requirement. The 
second step involves an application for a biosafety permit from the National Biotechnology Authority 
(See also 3.2.3.1). The third step involves the issuance of an import permit by the Ministry of Lands, 
Agriculture, Wa ter, Climate and Rural Resettlement. This process takes about 14 days. In the case 
of approval, a permit is issued. There is no website yet that allows for import handling permit 
applications. The applicable fees are USD 5 for commercial imports and USD 1 for other imports.  
Plant Quarantine Services – plant import permit/ phytosanitary certificate  
Veterinary Services Department -Veterinary import permit/ veterinary Health certificate  
Ministry of Lands, Department of Strategic Policy Planning and Business Development for issuance 
of import and export permits  
 
Question 21  
What is the role of the Agricultural Marketing Authority in issuing import permits for 
agricultural products?  
 
Answer AMA is responsible for registering traders in terms of SI 140 of 2013 in the case of grains 
and oils seeds and 148 of 2012 for other agricultural products. These registrations are a prerequisite 
for issuance of imports and export permits. AMA also plays an advisory role through monitoring 
products availability in the  market and therefore advises on the import permit quota system for 
horticulture products.  
 
Question 22  
When will Zimbabwe notify under the Annual Notification (N3)?  
 
Answer  
The notification is expected to be submitted by the end of the year 2020.  
 
3.1.8 Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures  
Page 58, paragraph 3.51:  The Secretariat's report states that Zimbabwe has adopted legislation 
pertaining to safeguards, but has not yet notified the pertinent legislation.  
 
Question 23  
Please advise as to when Zimbabwe will notify the pertinent legislation to the WTO 
Committee on Safeguards for review.  
 
Answer  
The process of notifying the regulation is underway at the World Trade Organization (WTO) 
Secretariat. We submitted it to WTO an d we look forward to its circulation to members.  
 
Page 58, paragraph 3.52: The Secretariat's report notes that Zimbabwe has not conducted a full 
investigation into an unfair trade practice to date. The report then notes that, "The Commission 
primarily help s local industry through, inter alia: legislative or administrative measures for the 
purpose of countering unfair trade practices; and technical assistance to the Government in the 
conclusion of arrangements with other countries for the benefit of local in dustry."  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 24  
Given that the legislative and administrative measures referred to, do not appear to be 
trade remedy measures, please list the specific types of legislative or administrative 
measures Zimbabwe has used to address unfair trade and the circumstances, actions, or 
practices that Zimbabwe deems subject to these types of measures.  
 
Answer  
The Commission is empowered in terms of Section 34C(1)c of the Competition Act (Chapter 14:28) 
to undertake investigations with a view to granting tariff protection or relief to the local 
manufacturing industry that would be facing competitiveness challenges locally and internationally.  
In terms of tariff protection, the Commission makes recommendations to Government to raise MFN 
duty to protect indu stries facing stiff import competition from imports. The upward adjustment of 
the tariffs would allow the industries to recapitalise, adjust and restructure so that they become 
competitive  
The Commission also recommends to Government for the lowering of M FN duty (tariff relief) on raw 
materials and intermediate goods used by industries so that they become competitive locally and 
internationally.  
 
3.2 Measures Directly Affecting Exports  
3.2.5 Export finance, insurance, and guarantees  
Page 63, paragraph 3.72 : According to the Secretariat's report the Export Credit Guarantee 
Corporation of Zimbabwe (ECGC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe 
(RBZ), is an export credit agency whose mandate is to help in the facilitation of international tr ade 
by providing export credit insurance products and guarantees to financial companies to lend to micro, 
small and medium -sized companies (MSMEs).  
 
Question 25  
Please explain if ECGC provides export financing support for agricultural products under 
its export credit insurance and guarantee facilities.  If so, would Zimbabwe please provide 
information regarding  export financing for agriculture as requested in the Annex to the 
Nairobi Decision?  
 
Answer  
ECGC Z does not provide direct funding for agricultura l products. However, through its Micro, Small 
and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (MSME CGS) it provides guarantees to lending 
institutions some of which will be lending to entities which are availing finance for agricultural 
products. Furthermo re, ECGC Z also provides financial guarantees in respect of facilities which fall 
above the MSME CGS threshold and these are mainly for agricultural products as well.  
 
Question 26  
If Zimbabwe is not able to submit this data in the export competition quest ionnaire before 
the Secretariat's deadline of May 31, 2020, please explain what steps Zimbabwe is taking 
to provide this data after the end of 2020 when the Nairobi Decision Annex should be fully 
adopted by all Members.  
 
Answer  
Effort will be made to fill in the questionnaire  
 
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
Page 64, paragraph 3.76 : To date, the SADCSTAN has developed 99 regional standards, in the 
areas of management systems, construction, electrical appliances, and fish products. According to 
the SAZ, Zimbabwe had adopted 66% of the SADC harmonized standards by 2019.  
 
Question 27  
Were any of these 99 regional standards based on existing international standards? If so, 
which standards are based on international standards; if not, what are they based on?  
 
Answer  
Yes, some are based on international standards. The management system (QMS and EMS) standards 
and electrical appliances standards are based on ISO and IEC standards respectively. Some of the 
regional harmonized standards are based on member states national standards and African 
continental standards.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Page 64, paragrap h 3.78:  The Continental Standardization Body under the ARSO was established 
in 1977, with the mandate of harmonizing African Regional Standards, which are developed or 
adopted. To date, the ARSO has harmonized more than 280 standards and, of these, Zimbabw e has 
adopted 51.  
 
Question 28  
Why has Zimbabwe not adopted more of the 280 standards?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe joined ARSO in 2017 and has a backlog of African standards still pending stakeholder 
consultation for national adoption. We are now active in the ARSO harmonization programme whose 
mandate is to harmonize  continental standards to facilitate trade within the AfCFTA.  
 
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements  
Page 66, paragraph 3.93 : Zimbabwe states that its legal framework for food safety, anima l health, 
and plant pest and disease control is largely obsolete and requires modernization. We also 
understand that Zimbabwe's Food Standards Advisory Board formulates and advises the Minister of 
Health on food safety policy; the Department of Research an d Specialist Services, Specialist Services 
Division, Plant Quarantine Services Institute is responsible for phytosanitary measures; and the 
Department of Veterinary Services is responsible for animal health and veterinary measures.  
 
Question 29  
Are there areas of coordination among these ministries? Please provide further details on: 
(1) the coordination of these ministries; and (2) how local and national governments will 
cooperate.  
 
Answer  
The Food Standards Advisory Board (FSAB) is made up of all regulators from different Ministries that 
deal with SPS maters including Health, Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, Science and Technology 
as well as private sector players, consumer organisations, standards organisation, local authorities 
and farmer asso ciations.  
 
The ministries coordinate through the National SPS Committee which meets quarterly to discuss SPS 
issues. Each arm of the SPS (Food safety, Plant Health and Animal Health) works the local 
authorities.  
Ministry of Health coordinates with departme nt of Research and Specialist Services (DRSS), Plant 
Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI) and Vet on issues of mycotoxines such as aflatoxins and also 
issues to deal with pesticide MRLs.  
 
There exists the National SPS Coordinating Committee co -chaired by S ecretary for Lands, 
Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and Secretary for Health and Child Care. The National 
SPS Coordinating Committee comprises representatives from farmers unions, private sector, 
Retailers association, municipalities representati ves and academia. It is expected to meet once per 
quarter.  
 
Question 30  
Please provide a timeline and update as to the status of Zimbabwe's modernization of its 
legal framework for food safety, animal health, and plant pest and disease control.  
 
Answer  
Due to resource constraints, it is not possible to provide a timeframe within which to modernize our 
food safety, animal health, and plant pest and disease control  legal framework at this moment in 
time. 
 
Page 66, paragraph 3.93 : Zimbabwe's SPS regi me remains substantially unchanged since the last 
TPR in 2011. The legal framework for food safety, animal health, and plant pest and disease control 
is largely obsolete, and requires modernization. Zimbabwe provided five SPS notifications in the 
period un der review (Table 2.2). No specific trade concerns were raised against Zimbabwe's 
measures in the WTO SPS Committee.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 31  
The Secretariat's report notes that Zimbabwe's SPS regime is "largely obsolete and 
requires modernization." How does Zimbabwe  plan to modernize their SPS regime?  
 
Answer  
The statement that Zimbabwe SPS regime is 'obsolete' is an overstatement. We can agree that it is 
not up to date with international standards but not obsolete. There are efforts to modernize to a 
limited extend . As an example, A food safety strategy has already been crafted. Zimbabwe has plans 
to constitute a food control authority that will oversee all food control activities along the' farm to 
fork' continuum. This will operate a risk based approach to food sa fety control. However due to 
resource constraints the plans cannot be executed at this moment in time.  
Page 66, paragraph  3.95: Zimbabwe states that it has entered into commitments to work towards 
the harmonization of SPS measures within the South African Development Community (SADC).  
 
Question 32  
Can Zimbabwe provide an update and/or timeline as to the status of Zimbabwe's progress 
on these commitments towards harmonization of SPS measures within the SADC?  
 
Answer  
There is progress in bilateral harmonizat ion in some SPS areas. Documents have been crafted in 
terms of guidelines on harmonization. However implementation has been a challenge due to resource 
constraints.  
 
Page 67, paragraph 3.96 : As an example of the nascent harmonization within the SADC, in 2013, 
a memorandum of understanding on the Harmonized Seed Regulatory System (and related 
phytosanitary measures) was opened for signature among SADC members. It has not yet been 
signed by Zim babwe. The regulatory regime for seeds is aimed at facilitating cross -border trade in 
certified seed varieties, and reducing repetitive national testing. The system comprises a SADC seed 
variety catalogue and common phytosanitary measures for seeds. The SP S measures include two 
SADC pest lists: one for seed -borne pests/pathogens requiring control when seeds are traded across 
borders within the SADC; and the other where seeds are imported from third countries.  
 
Question 33  
The Secretariat's report notes tha t Zimbabwe has not signed the memorandum  of 
understanding on the harmonized seed regulatory system (MOU). Does Zimbabwe intend 
to sign the MOU? Does Zimbabwe have reservations? If so, what are they?  
 
Answer:  
Zimbabwe intends to sign the SADC MoU on Seed ha rmonisation without reservations. It is currently 
finalising the internal legal approval processes. It is hoped that by end of 2020 Zimbabwe would 
have signed.  
 
Page 67, paragraph 3.99: Zimbabwe states that under the recent Food and Food Standards Import 
and Export Regulations (S. I. No. 8 of 2015), all imports of food are subject to inspection at the 
border, unless the importer concerned holds a Food Sanitary Certificate.  
 
Question 34  
Please confirm that Zimbabwe will recognize equivalent certificates provided by other 
Members' relevant food safety authorities. If applicable, please clarify the basis and/or 
parameters by which Zimbabwe recognizes a certificate as equivalent to its Food S anitary 
Certificate.  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe can confirm that we will recognise other member states equivalent food sanitary 
certificates if prior agreements are entered into. The agreements will be entered into in accordance 
with CODEX guidelines on recognition  of other member states' sanitary certificates.  
 
Question 35  
Please confirm that the criteria by which food inspectors detain import consignments are 
based on existing criteria and guidelines of international standard setting bodies, such as 
OIE, IPPC and Codex Alimentarius?  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Answer  
Food consignment detentions will be done in accordance with criteria and guidelines of OIE, IPPC 
and Codex Alimentarius  as well as the national laws and regulations.  
 
Page 67, paragraph 3.100: We appreciate Zimbabwe's good recor d of providing food safety 
notifications prior to adopting measures.  
 
Question 36  
We note that several of these notifications do not include links to the full text of the 
measures, and we would appreciate if Zimbabwe could provide links to the full text o f 
future notified measures.  
 
Answer  
Links will be provided in future  
 
Question 37  
Zimbabwe notes that it notified a draft regulation concerning food fortification and 
labelling in 2016, which is based partly on national standards and on Codex standards. 
Please clarify the national standards on which this food fortification draft regulation is 
based, and how they differ from the Codex standards. Additionally, please provide further 
details and explain the basis for the fortification requirements . 
 
Answer  
The food fortification regulations are based on national regulations on labelling of pre -packaged 
foods SI 265 of 2002. The SI is also based on the CODEX standard on pre -packaged food labelling. 
Reference was also made to national Public Health Act on inspection procedures.  
Fortification requirements stipulated were based on national survey results on nutritional deficiencies 
as well as ECSA guideline values on micronutrient additions.  
 
Page 68, paragraph 3.102 : For imports, the first step  is an application, in person, for a plant 
import permit from the Department of Research and Specialist Services in Harare or the Head Plant 
Quarantine and Plant Protection Services Institute in Mazowe. A permit is required for all plants and 
plant product s entering Zimbabwe. The process involves pest risk analysis, and a decision by the 
Chief Plant Quarantine Office on whether pre -shipment inspection is required. A weekly schedule is 
compiled by the NPPO for approval, together with a recommendation for app roval (or not) by the 
approving authority. Registration of the applicant with the Agricultural Marketing Authority is a pre -
requirement. The second step involves an application for a biosafety permit from the National 
Biotechnology Authority (See also 3.2. 3.1). The third step involves the issuance of an import permit 
by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement. This process takes 
about 14 days. In the case of approval, a permit is issued. There is no website yet that allows for 
import handling permit applications. The applicable fees are USD  5 for commercial imports and USD 
1 for other imports.  
 
Question 38  
The Secretariat's report  notes that the Chief Plant Quarantine Office (CPQO) decides 
whether a pre -shipment inspection is required. How does the CPQO arrive at the 
determination requiring pre -shipment inspection is required?  
 
Answer  
Page 68, paragraph 3.102 : Zimbabwe states that the first step to obtain an import permit is to 
apply in person. Zimbabwe also states that the process involves pest risk analysis and a decision by 
the Chief Plant Quarantine Office on whether pre -shipment inspection is requirement, and that 
registration of the applicant with the Agricultural Marketing Authority is a pre -requirement.  
 
Question 39  
Please explain  the basis for the in -person requirement portion of the first step in obtaining 
an import permit.  
 
Answer  
The in -person requirement is due to the fact that there is no inline system for application. As such, 
the applicant is required to manu ally complete the import application form.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 40  
Please confirm that the pest risk analysis and decision -making process are based on 
existing criteria and guidelines of international standard setting bodies, such as OIE, 
IPPC, and Codex.  
Confirmed.  
Question 41  
Please clarify which regulatory body and/or bodies will determine the credibility of new 
information showing the existence of a significant risk. Additionally, please provide 
further clarification regarding the coordination of these case -by-case determinations.  
 
Answer  
National Plant Protection Organization in terms of plant related products and stock feeds  
Department of Veterinary Services in case of animal origin products and feeds  
Government Analyst Laboratory in case of Food  
 
Question 42  
Please provide further details regarding the information required as part of registration 
with the Agricultural Marketing Authority. Will Zimbabwe please describe the procedures 
that may protect confidential information, and identify any legisl ation and/or regulatory 
authority responsible for the protection of this information?  
 
Answer  
Company registration documents. Officials signed the official secrecy act.  
 
Page 69, paragraph 3.107 : Zimbabwe states that it maintains a ban on cultivation, (sale and use) 
of GMOs and GMO products, and that while imports of GMO products are generally prohibited, 
imports of GM -modified grains (e.g. maize and soya beans) may be authorized under supervised 
milling requirements.  
 
Question 43  
Please explain the basis for Zimbabwe's ban on the sale and use of GMOs and GMO 
products.  
 
Answer  
The Government of Zimbabwe does not have a ban  on the sale and use of GMOs and GMO 
products. The Genetically Modified Foo d and Feed (Labelling), Regulations, Statutory Instrument 
159 of 2018 states that:  
 
a. Operators who produce or sell food or feed containing at least 1% of products of genetic 
modification shall label their products as guided by the regulation.  
b. Operators who produce or sell food or feed containing less than 1% of products of 
genetic modification shall not be compulsorily required to label their products as such, 
and if they so wish, the operators shall ensure that the label has the appropriate words 
as guided by the regulation.  
Question 44  
Please explain why the ban diverges from existing criteria and guidelines on GMOs and 
GMO products set forth by international standard setting bodies, such as OIE, IPPC and 
Codex.  
 
Answer  
The Government of Zimbabwe does not have a ban on the sale and use of GMOs and GMO products. 
The Genetically Modified Food and Feed (Labelling), Regulations, Statutory Instrument 159 of 2018 
states that:  
a. Operators who produce or sell food or feed containing at least 1% of products of genetic 
modification shall label their products as guided by the regulation.  
b. Operators who produce or sell food or feed containing less than 1% of products of 
genetic modification shall not be compulsorily required to label their products as such, WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 88 - 
 
  and if t hey so wish, the operators shall ensure that the label has the appropriate words 
as guided by the regulation.  
In addition, Zimbabwe ratified to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological 
Diversity  is an international agreement whic h aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use 
of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse 
effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.  
 
Question 45  
Please provide  further details regarding which GMO products are "generally prohibited."  
 
Answer  
There is no prohibition of products, however, all GMO products must be notified and declared.  
 
Question 46  
Please clarify which products, e.g. maize and soya beans, may be authorized under 
supervised milling requirements. Please explain the basis for exempting these products 
from the general ban on the sale and use of GMOs and GMO products.  
 
Answer  
Please refe r to the response given on question 37. In addition, please note that processed foods 
which contain GMOs can be put on the market provided that labelling regulations are followed. 
Genetically modified seed can only be imported for confined field trials and  will only be approved for 
commercial use once the country adopts GMOs. Research trials are allowed and should be conducted 
under the supervision of NBA.  
 
Question 47  
Please provide the criteria by which Zimbabwe determines which GMOs and GM -modified 
prod ucts can be authorized for import.  
 
Answer  
Please refer to the responses given on questions 37 and 40. The biosafety permit issuance process 
is guided by a risk assessment of the product in question. Consequently, all products GM or not are 
evaluated befo re import is authorized.  
 
Page 69, paragraph 3.108 : Zimbabwe states that it is in the process of adopting mandatory 
labelling rules with regard to GM food and feed.  
 
Question 48  
Please explain the basis for Zimbabwe's mandatory labelling rules.  
 
Answer  
Mandatory Labelling was introduced to provide information to consumers so that they make informed 
choice fully knowing it's GMO status .  
 
Question 49  
Please provide an update on Zi mbabwe's process of adopting these mandatory labelling 
rules.  
 
Answer  
The National Biotechnology Authority developed a draft standard with the Standards Association of 
Zimbabwe. A stakeholder consultative workshop was held in July 2015 prior to the approv al of the 
standard. The standard was later used to develop draft GM labelling regulations and a stakeholder 
consultative workshop was held before the regulations (SI 159 of 2018) were gazetted.  
 
Question 50  
Please explain further the labelling rules and c onfirm whether these rules align or diverge 
from criteria and guidelines on GM products set forth by international standard setting 
bodies, such as OIE, IPPC and Codex.  
 
Answer  
The labelling rules conform to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and Codex r egulations.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 51  
Please explain whether these rules will be published for comment.  
 
Answer  
The National Biotechnology Authority developed a draft standard with the Standards Association of 
Zimbabwe. A stakeholder consultative workshop was held in July 2015 prior to the approval of the 
standard. The standard was later used to develop draft GM lab elling regulations and a stakeholder 
consultative workshop was held before the regulations (SI 159 of 2018) were gazetted.  
 
Page 69, paragraph 3.109: Zimbabwe states that its Animal Health Act and most of its regulations 
require updating and are under rev iew.  
 
Question 52  
Please provide an update and/or timeline as to the status of Zimbabwe's review and 
update of its Animal Health Act and its regulations.  
 
Answer  
The Animal Health Act is being reviewed under the OIE Veterinary Legislative Support Program. Its 
work in progress and a timeline on its completion is not available at the moment.  
 
Question 53  
Please explain whether the updated regulations and Act will be published for comment 
and notified before being implemented.  
 
Answer  
The updated reg ulations and Act will be published for comments and notified to stakeholders and 
trade partners before being implemented.  
 
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
Page 72, paragraph 3.125:  The Secretariat's report indicates that Zim babwe has not made a 
notification to the Working Party on State Trading Enterprises since 2008, despite having a biennial 
requirement to do so.  
 
Question 54  
Please indicate  when Zimbabwe will make its notification and whether it will cover the 
period from  2008 – forward.  
 
Answer  
The entities listed in the report do not have monopoly control on the export of goods and in that 
regard do not control all exports out of the country  
 
Page 72, paragraphs 3.125, 3.126 and 3.127: In its last notification in June 20 08, Zimbabwe 
stated that it does not have any officially defined state trading enterprises. However, the report lists 
over 50 enterprises that appear to be involved in international trade.  
Question 55  
What percentage of agri -food exports and what percentag e of agri -food imports  are 
managed (through buying or selling) by the enterprises identified in the report?  
 
Answer  
Trade in agricultural products is mainly through private sector players except in grain imports 
wherein GMB is involved in ensuring the Strategic Grain Reserve has enough grain reserves in cases 
of maize deficits . 
 
Question 56  
Are foreign enterprises allowed to purchase agri -food goods (e.g. commodities , fertilizer, 
equipment, hides & skins, etc.) without going through these enterprises?  Are any 
countries or foreign enterprises banned from trading with these enterprises?  
 
Answer  
Yes foreign enterprises are allowed provided they are legally registered and the products is allowed 
to be imported and exported. No countries or fore ign enterprises are banned from trading with these 
enterprises.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 57  
What exclusive rights regarding export or imports, if any, are granted to each of the 
following entities that are not granted to the private sector, and what law or official decree  
guarantees these rights or privileges?  
• Grain Marketing Board  
• Cold Storage Company Ltd,  
• Agricultural Marketing Authority  
• Agricultural Bank of Zimbabwe (AGRIBANK)  
• Pig Industry Board of Zimbabwe  
There are no exclusive rights accorded to these enterprises i n importing or exporting.  
Question 58  
Please describe any export credits, or export financing offered by the Reserve Bank of 
Zimbabwe to promote exports? Where can rate information be obtained?  
 
Answer  
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is currently not offering  any export credit. This is in line with the 
monetary targeting framework which is meant to contain money supply growth in the economy in 
order to stabilise the exchange rate and reduce inflation  
 
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
Page 74, paragraph 3.130 : Zimbabwe's new Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe 
(PRAZ) oversees public procurement proceedings to ensure transparency, honesty, cost -
effectiveness and competition in public procurement. The PRAZ directly reports to the Office of the 
President.   
 
Question 59  
How does the PRAZ maintain independence to ensure public procurements are meeting 
these goals of transparency and fairness?  
 
Answer  
The independence of PRAZ is derived from Section 6 (Functions of the Authority) and Section 7 
(Powers of the Authority) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 
22:23]. The Act spells out the manner in which these functions are to be discharged and limits the 
Authority's role to a supervisory one that focuses on the attainment of the objectives of the Act.  
 
The Authority has a strong monitoring and evaluation unit that supervises procuring entities to 
ensure processes are transp arent and fair.  
 
Act further makes provisions for use of other committees outside the PRAZ to handle different 
scenarios that may be encountered in order to preserve the Authority independence and supervisory 
function. These committees are as follows;  
 
a. Special Procurement Oversight Committee. This committee is provided for under 
section  54 of the Act. The Committee reviews all procurements of a special nature as 
provided for within the Act. It is chaired by the Attorney General, with Accountant 
General and two other independent members who are non -PRAZ personnel as members.  
b. Review Panels. These panels are provided for under section 75 of the Act. The panels 
are set up from time to time in a manner prescribed in the Act, to review challenged 
procurement proce sses in which a bidder and procurement entity have not been able to 
resolve a dispute.  
Question 60  
Is the PRAZ an independent agency? Can the Office of the President influence who runs 
the PRAZ or set its policy agenda?  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 91 - 
 
  Answer  
PRAZ is autonomous in its f unctions. Section 8 of the PPDPA Act provides that a Board comprising 
of experts defined is appointed in line with provision of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act 
[Chapter 10:19].  
The Office of the President and Cabinet is limited to the appointm ent and supervision of the Board 
in line with Section 8 of the PPDPA Act.  
Policy agenda for PRAZ is derived from the Fiscal Policy Statement and Transitional Stabilisation Plan 
2018 – 2023.  
 
4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheri es 
4.1.2 Agricultural policy framework  
Page 80, paragraph 4.13 : A National Agricultural Policy Framework (2018 –30) was issued in draft 
form in June 2018 but has yet to be adopted. It aims to enhance investment, productivity and 
output, and improve food sec urity and nutrition. Self -sufficiency (in maize) still figures as a policy 
objective. According to the new agricultural policy framework, policy -making is based on the 
following principles: evidence -based decision -making; productivity and growth -oriented; nutrition -
sensitive; and with market -based interventions where "the Government will commit to a rule -based 
system of interventions that will not undermine private sector investments".  
 
Question 61  
The Secretariat's report notes that a National Agricultura l Policy Framework  (NAPF) was 
issued in draft form but has yet to be adopted. When will Zimbabwe adopt the NAPF?  
 
Answer  
It is hoped that by end of 2020 the National Agricultural Policy Framework would have been adopted 
by Zimbabwe.  
 
Page 83, paragraph 4.26 : According to the Secretariat, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) in 
Zimbabwe is responsible for a host of functions including administering the Strategic Grain Reserve 
and acting as an ad hoc grain importer and exporter. However, in June 2019, the Government 
reverted to strict controls of the domestic maize trade and made all sales to the GMB compulsory. 
The rationale for this restrictive policy is stated as a necessity to ensure sufficient supply of maize 
for the population.  
 
Question 62  
Can Zimbabwe please explain if compulsory grain sales to the GMB are permanent or if 
the rules will be loosened in the future? Additionally, are there any plans to privatize the 
GMB or some of its functions in the future?  
 
Answer  
The compulsory grain sales are not permanent and will be loosened in the future. They were 
instituted to augment the stocks in the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR).  
 
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) commercial business operations are operating under a private 
company with effect from 1 April 2019. This i s compliance with a Cabinet Decision made on the 10th 
of April 2018. The Grain Marketing Board is currently focusing on management of the Strategic Grain 
Reserve (SGR) in line with the Cabinet Decision  
 
Question 63  
Please provide the text of any law or dec ree clarifying GMB's role in procurement, storage 
and disposal (including domestic sale and export) document and any special or exclusive 
privileges granted to GMB relating to grain trade.  
 
Answer  
The Grain Marketing Board operations are guided by the Gra in Marketing Act [Chapter 18:14]. The 
10 April 2018 Cabinet Decision confined the GMB to the procurement, storage and handling of 
identified cereals under the SGR. The GMB does not have special or exclusive privileges relating to 
grain trade except where t he Minister responsible for Agriculture may deem it necessary to institute 
measures, in the national interest, that result in the GMB enjoying special or exclusive privileges.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 64  
If the GMB or the Government of Zimbabwe establish annual targets, or minimum  or 
maximum amounts, for publicly procured grain stock , please provide these targets by 
product and describe the basis for setting these targets  
 
Answer  
An annual target is established in line with the SGR level. The SGR level should fluctuate fr om a 
minimum of 500 000 mt to 936 000mt according to the Debt Takeover Agreement signed between 
Government and the GMB in 1996. The SGR is composed of cereal food crops that include maize 
and traditional grains. There are no specific quantities for each of  the crops that make up the SGR 
although maize will always constitute the bulk of the stocks.  
 
Question 65  
How do private sector importers of agri -food products, including grain, acquire import 
licenses? Please describe any price limitations placed on private sector grain importers, 
such as minimum import prices or maximum domestic sale prices.  
 
Answer  
Private sector importers follow the same procedure with public sector institutions in acquiring import 
permits. These procedures include Registration wit h Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), GMO 
certificate from supplier, National Biosafety Permit issued by national Biosafety Authority, Plant 
import permit issued by Plant Quarantine Services, Control of Goods Permit issued by the 
Department of Strategi c Policy Planning and Business Development. In most cases the importers 
complete application forms satisfying the requirements by the relevant authorities alluded to above. 
There are no price limitations placed on private sector grain importers be it minim um import prices 
or maximum domestic sale prices . 
 
Question 6 6 
What functions or services does the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe provide when 
acting as an importer on behalf of the private sector?  
 
Answer  
The Grain Millers Association is a voluntary organization which represents the interests of local, large 
and small scale grain millers. When acting as an importer on behalf of the private sector, they aid 
in bulk buying thus reducing unit transport costs per individual importer.  
 
Questions based on the Government's Report  
3 VISION 2030 AGENDA  
3.1 Progress in the Implementation of the TSP  
Page 5, paragraph 3.5:  The current regime hurts countries trying to export to Zimbabwe, as the 
GOZ is controlling who gets allocated FX at preferential rat e.  
 
Question 6 7 
Will they liberalize the currency regime to allow for a market -supported rate?   
 
Answer  
In a statement issued on 11 March 2020, the Zimbabwean government announced that it was 
introducing, with immediate effect, an electronic foreign curre ncy trading platform based on the 
Reuters system is being immediately put in place .12 This platform is meant to allow foreign exchange 
to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined. 
Bureaux de Changes will al so participate on this platform through their banks (Authorised Dealers).  
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilize the 
exchange rate, where necessary. All the foreign exchange requirements will be av ailable through 
the interbank market which will use a market determined exchange rate.  
https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/press/March/PRESS -STATEMENT -FX.pdf  
The country has alr eady adopted a "managed float" exchange rate regime, abandoning strict control 
of foreign exchange by the central bank. A Reuters Electronic Forex Trading Platform which allows 
registered financial institutions to freely trade foreign exchange, thereby per mitting a true market 
exchange rate to be determined, was introduced. The central bank will also liberalise use of free 
 
12 https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/press/March/PRESS -STATEMENT -FX.pdf . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  funds for importation of goods and services and this process has already commenced with Direct 
Fuel Imports.  
 
3.2 Economic Outlook  
Page 8, paragraph 3. 22:  
 
Question 6 8 
What is their roadmap to arrears clearance now that the SMP is clearly off track?  
 
Answer  
The Government is continuing to engage the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and 
Development Partners with a view to map the way forward on the matter.  
 
6 SECTORAL PERFORMANCE  
6.2 Mining  
Page 12, paragraph 6.11:  
 
Question 6 9 
How far along are discussions  regarding joining EITI?  
 
Answer  
The intentions of Zimbabwe joining EITI are there as highlighted in the 2019 a nd 2020 Budget 
Statements by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development.  
 
12 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES  
Page 19, Paragraphs 12.1 and 12.2:  
 
Question 70 
Please provide online links to the Zimbabwe National Trade Policy Vision and Export 
Strategy to wards the National Vision 2030 Agenda, National Trade Policy (2019 --2023) 
and the and the National Export Strategy (2019 -2023).  
 
Answer  
The Zimbabwe National Trade Policy Vision and Export Strategy towards the National Vision 2030 
Agenda documents will be availed on the ZimTrade website  
National Trade Policy (2019 --2023) and the National Export Strategy (2019 -2023) will be uploaded 
once the internal approval processes are complete.  
 
12.7 Standards and Quality  
Page 21, paragraph 12.26 : According to the Government's report, Zimbabwe notes that the 
government seeks to "implement internationally accepted quality standards and accreditation 
programs to develop local standards based on internationally accepted standards."  
 
Question 71 
How wi ll Zimbabwe ensure implementation of the European Union (EU) -Zimbabwe  
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will comply with internationally accepted quality 
standards and accreditation programs and continue to be globally trade facilitative for all 
of Zimb abwe's trading partners?  
 
Answer  
Zimbabwe's quality institutions should participate meaningfully in the international standards 
development processes through coordination by the national standards body, adopt the relevant 
deliverables as national standard s and implement them. Efforts need to be made to ensure that our 
institutions are accredited by recognized accreditation bodies. This requires dedicated resources.  
 
Question 72 
Can Zimbabwe  please explain how during the standard setting process, the govern ment 
will differentiate between relevant international standards and guidance, versus EU 
standards?  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Answer  
For internationally agreed standards information is well documented in texts. For private standards 
these will be again clearly specified by the imp orters to the exporters.  
 
13 MULTILATERAL TRADE AND REGIONAL AGREEMENTS  
13.8 Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union  
Page 25, paragraph 13.26 : According to the Government's report, Zimbabwe notes that Article 
53 of the EPA "provides for the continuation of negotiations with a view to concluding a full and 
comprehensive EPA."  
 
Question 73 
Will Zimbabwe please explain how the government will ensure that the continuation  of 
negotiations  regarding SPS measures will comply with the Agreeme nt on SPS Agreement 
and will be based on scientific principles from Codex, OIE, and the IPPC?  
 
Answer  
The SPS Agreement will be used as the basis for the negotiations in the EPA. As such, scientific 
principles from CODEX, OIE and IPPC will be used as basi s. 
 
Question 7 4 
Can Zimbabwe explain how the government  will identify EU SPS standards that are not 
science or evidence -based, and ensure Zimbabwe does not adopt those standards?  
 
Answer  
The Government will identify these EU SPS standards though working closely with private sector 
exporters. Government does no t force private sector exporters to adopt the EU Standards as these 
are voluntary standards. They will not be compulsorily adopted but will be dependent on the private 
exporters.  
  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA   
SECRETARIAT REPORT  
2 TRA DE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.3 Trade Agreements and Arrangements  
2.3.1 WTO  
Page 28, paragraph 2.18: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe has not passed 
enabling legislation for the WTO Agreement despite ratification in March 1995, meaning the WT O 
Agreement has not been domesticated into Zimbabwean law.  
Question 1  
Please provide a timeline for Zimbabwe to pass enabling legislation for the WTO 
agreement framework.  
Answer  
The processes to pass the enabling WTO legislation is already in motion. Thi s process would require 
approval of the Parliament of Zimbabwe and Senate and thereafter Presidential Assent. We hope 
that during the current parliamentary session that ends in 2023 before the next elections some 
progress would have been made in this regar d. 
Follow -up Question from the United States:  We ask Zimbabwe to make every effort to prioritize 
this legislation and pass it as soon as possible. Zimbabwe currently has no system to address 
conflicts between the WTO Agreement and domestic law, and we remain concerned about the 
potential for conflicts.  
Response  
Zimbabwe takes note of the concern and will prioritise the domestication of the WTO Agreement 
possibly during the current parliamentary session.  
 
Page 28, paragraph 2.19: According to the Secreta riat's report, Zimbabwe has submitted a total 
of 11 notifications under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, including domestic support notifications 
for five years (Table DS: 1 - 1995 to 1999) and export subsidy notifications for 23 years (Table ES: 
1 and Ta ble ES:2 – 1995 to 2017).  
Question 2  
Please provide a timeline for when Zimbabwe will provide overdue Committee on 
Agriculture notifications.  
Answer  
The country endeavours to provide the outstanding current notifications on Agriculture for the period 
2017 – 2019 before the end of the year. The country has staff constraints and capacity challenges 
that are impacting negatively on its quest to fulfil its notification obligations.   
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Can Zimbabwe please clarify whether the notifications referenced in its response were 
for the ES: 1 and ES: 2 notifications for the 2017 -2019 time period?  
Response  
In relation to ES 1 and ES2 the notifications a re up to 2019. This is evidenced by WTO also 
issuing the notifications for 2018 and 2019 in July 2020.Attachement herein for 
referencing.  
• Can Zimbabwe inform or clarify what the timeline is for the remaining domestic support 
notifications from 2000 -the pre sent?   
Response  
It was agreed between Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Water  and COA since we have challenges 
in relation to data and also the hyperinflation periods the country faced in the past, Zimbabwe is to 
submit notifications from 2015 to date in relation to domestic support. However, the Ministry also 
face challenges of technical support in relation to calculating Domestic Support which require training 
at national level for officials involved in these areas.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  2.3.3 Relations with the European Unio n 
Page 34, paragraph 2.37: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe briefly describes its 
relationship with the European Union, but more specifically the Interim European Partnership 
Agreement (EPA) between Zimbabwe and the EU. The EPA covers many a spects of trade, from 
mining, services, to SPS and agriculture.  
Question 3 
How will Zimbabwe work with the EU, and other WTO Members who trade with Zimbabwe, 
to achieve the appropriate level of SPS protection and is significantly less restrictive to 
trade ?  
Answer  
Agreements with EU or other WTO members will be based on the provisions of the WTO SPS 
agreement.  
The Government will ensure the implementation of international standards (ISPM), Harmonization 
updating of standards /legislation at national and r egional level, Implementation of standards that 
are scientifically justified and Conduct risk based PRA.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  Can Zimbabwe confirm that it will ensure 
implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary standards based on international standards, 
recommendations, and guidelines of international standard setting bodies, such as OIE, IPPC, and 
Codex?  
Response  
Zimbabwe confirms that it is already implementing SPS standards based on international standards 
recommendations, and guidelines of international standard setting bodies, such as OIE, IPPC and 
Codex. Like any other member of the said bodies, Zimbabwe is complying with some requirements, 
and receiving and or seeking technical assistance to meet other requirements to ensure  safe 
international trade in animals and animal products.  
Question 4 
As of 2020, Zimbabwe has not notified any measures associated with implementation of 
the EPA to either the SPS or TBT Committees. Since 1995, Zimbabwe has only notified five 
SPS measures  to the WTO. Has Zimbabwe implemented SPS measures since 1995 that 
were not notified to the WTO? If so, what measures were they? When will Zimbabwe start 
notifying SPS and TBT measures, per its WTO commitments?  
Response  
Zimbabwe has notified 5 SPS -Food sa fety measures and will continue to notify more in future.  
However, there is need for country based capacity development on how to make notifications. 
Further to this some of the enquiry points may experience connectivity challenges. Enquiry points 
have bee n provided with hardware for this purpose but licensed software was not provided and 
connectivity is a challenge.  
Measures were implemented since 1995 but can only provide measures that were implemented from 
the last TRP review done in 2011.  
A number of S PS measures were adopted from 2011 to date:  
2014 
• Health certificate on importation of cattle was amended to include the following clause 
"The animals may only be disposed of after 3 years while breeding, under close 
veterinary monitoring."  
• With effect from October 2014 a new pre -requisite requirement on importation of cattle 
was effected. Applicants are now required to submit a breeder's certificate or breeder's 
confirmation letter and state or authorised veterinarian confirmation letter on breeding 
status and veterinary supervision of head.  
• Clause 9 on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on the health certificate on 
importation of day old chicks and hatching eggs was amended in line with Terrestrial 
Animal Health Code 2014. The clause "the country must be free from active highly WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  pathogenic avian influenza in poultry" was amended to read "the country, zone , or 
compartment must be free from active highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry. The 
clause "the poultry flocks of origin are located in districts free from highly pathogenic 
avian influenza, and more than 300Km away from any highly pathogenic avian influenza 
outbreak in the country." to read "the poultry flocks of origin are located in districts free 
from highly pathogenic avian  influenza."  
2015 
• Health certificate on importation of blood meal was amended for Botswana , to read " 
the processing temperature 90 degree Celsius for a minimum period of 30 minutes at 
an absolute pressure 400 -800 Kpa." from temperature of 133 degree Cels ius for a 
minimum period of 20 minutes at an absolute pressure of three bar.  
• Health certificate for importation of fish , the following condition has been added " 
declare freedom from algae toxins and seasons for harvesting of fish "  
2016 
• Health import con ditions certificates were developed for importation of racing pigeons 
from The Netherlands, Kuwait, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Namibia, Angola and China.  
• Health certificate on the importation of ducklings from South Africa was amended.  
• Testing for Johne's disease on importation of cattle, sheep and goats was amended on 
health certificates to include the ELISA test  
• PCR test was added on the health certificate for importation of semen to test for 
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis  
• Health certificate for impo rtation of ornamental fish from South Africa was amended  
2018 
• Proposed health certificate for export of bovine semen from the Netherlands was 
adopted.  
2019 
Proposed health certificates for importation of live sheep, goats, cattle, frozen bovine embryos a nd 
frozen semen from Canada and the United States of America were reviewed and adopted by both 
countries.  
Movement restrictions of animals due to disease outbreaks were effected for the following diseases.  
• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in 2017.  
• Tick b orne Disease Theileriosis 2017, they areas under quarantine at the moment.  
• Foot and Mouth Disease since 2011 they have been both new and recurrent outbreaks, 
all affected areas were quarantined  
• Anthrax sporadic outbreaks have been experienced and all affe cted areas quarantined.  
• African Swine Fever 2019 affected areas under quarantine.  
Quarantine measures are affected as and when outbreaks occur and are lifted when outbreak has 
been resolved  
Suspensions  
Importation of poultry and poultry products from Sout h Africa is on suspension due to HPAI outbreak 
that occurred in 2018.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Notifications to the WTO SPS will be done from this year 2020 as per the commitments of the 
agreement.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  We recognize Zimbabwe's need for country -based 
capacity development on how to make notifications, including solutions addressing connectivity 
challenges and the lack of licensed software.  
• Can Zimbabwe please provide greater clarity on the timeline as well  as the specific 
capacity -development needs necessary to ensure that Zimbabwe can start notifying SPS 
and TBT measures, per its WTO commitments?  
• Can Zimbabwe clarify which regulatory body and/or bodies will be involved in the 
capacity development needed t o ensure that Zimbabwe can make notifications? Please 
describe the process and the envisioned timeline.  
• Can Zimbabwe please identify which regulatory body and/or bodies will be involved in 
ensuring that Zimbabwe can start and continue notifying SPS and TB T measures?  
Response  
Stakeholders require capacitation on the TBT and SPS notification requirements. Zimbabwean 
stakeholders are looking forward to a training from the WTO Secretariat to hold in country training 
for all TBT and SPS stakeholders. This tra ining was delayed due to the Covid -19 pandemic meeting 
and travel related constraints. All TBT and SPS stakeholders will be trained on the TBT notification 
requirements and WTO tools as soon travel by WTO staff becomes possible in light of the Covid -19 
pandemic.  
 
SPS and TBT stakeholders  
SPS National Notification Point: Department of Economics and Markets, Ministry of Lands, 
Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement  
TBT National Notification Point: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade  
Agency for SPS (Animal Health): Departm ent of Veterinary Services  
Agency for SPS (Plant Health): Department of Research and Specialist Services  
Agency for SPS (Public Health): Department of Environmental Health  
Agency for TBT: Standards Association of Zimbabwe  
All regulators and stakeholders in  the SPS and TBT arena.  
Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Conformity Assessment)  
3 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1 Measures Directly Affecting Imports  
3.1.1 Customs procedures, valuation, and requirements  
3.1.1.1 Procedures  
Page 41, paragraph  3.9: In 2015, Zimbabwe introduced a preshipment inspection requirement for 
conformity assessment on quality grounds for several imported products.   
Question 5 
Does Zimbabwe intend to notify the Secretariat of these changes to its laws and 
regulations related to preshipment inspection under Article 5 of the Agreement on 
Preshipment Inspection? When will the notifications occur?  
Answer:  
Zimbabwe made a notification to the WTO on the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment 
(CBCA) Programme, G/ TBT/N/ZWE/1 dated 4 April 2016.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  The Agreement on Preshipment Inspection includes 
the following definition:  
Preshipment inspection activities are all activities relating to the verification of the quality , the 
quantity, the price, including currency exchange rate and financial terms, and/or the customs WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  classification of goods to be exported to the territory of the user Member' (Article 1.3, emphasis 
added ).  
Is there any reason Zimbabwe cannot notify the CBCA Progra mme under Article 5 of that Agreement 
and respond to questions, if any are raised?   
Response  
Zimbabwe made notifications as per the WTO requirements and intend to notify again when changes 
are made to the programme. Any questions raised vis a vis the programme will be responded to.  
Question 6 
How did Zimbabwe choose Bureau Veritas Inspection Valuation Assessment Control 
(Private) Limited company to be the only entity designated to conduct preshipment 
inspection under its regime?  
Answer  
The Consignment  Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme was introduced in 2015 as a 
pilot programme and the service provider who showed interest in undertaking the pilot programme 
was recruited. However, the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme i s now 
being reviewed and a competitive bidding process is being finalized. The programme will now have 
more service providers.  
Follow -up Question from the United States : Please provide a timeline for the review and 
finalization of the CBCA programme.   
Resp onse  
At least a year from now possibly by October 2021  
Question 7 
What measures does Zimbabwe have in place to implement Article 2 of the Agreement on 
Preshipment Inspection related to Non -discrimination, Government Requirements, Site of 
Inspection, Stan dards, Transparency, Protection of Confidential Business Information, 
Conflicts of Interest, Delays, Price Verification, Appeals Procedures, and Derogations with 
respect to pre -shipment inspection activities?  
Answer  
Consignment Based Conformity Assessment  (CBCA) Programme is a pre -export verification of 
conformity to standards programme which is a conformity assessment procedure based on Article 5 
of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement (WTO/TBT Agreement). The CBCA Programme 
does not undertake th e verification of the quantity, the price, including currency exchange rate and 
financial terms, and/or the customs classification of goods of regulated goods exported to Zimbabwe. 
The CBCA Programme is concerned with the conformity of products to the requ ired standards in 
order to protect the consumer and the environment from dangerous, substandard or counterfeit 
products and to safeguard the country from unfair trade practices and dumping of substandard 
goods. Therefore, this pre -export verification of co nformity programme is not a pre -shipment 
inspection measure but a conformity assessment measure.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  The Agreement on Preshipment Inspection (PSI) 
includes the following definition:  
'Preshipment inspection activities  are all activities relating to the verification of the quality , the 
quantity, the price, including currency exchange rate and financial terms, and/or the customs 
classification of goods to be exported to the territory of the user Member' (Article 1.3, emphasis 
added ),  
It is clear that the CBCA is a preshipment inspe ction measure, in addition to being a conformity 
assessment measure.  
It is important for Members to have an opportunity to review this measure vis -à-vis the relevant 
commitments of the PSI Agreement that discipline the activities of the service provider c onducting 
an inspection. Please notify this measure under Article 5 of the PSI Agreement and work with other 
WTO Members to ensure it complies, as appropriate, with the relevant provisions of the PSI 
Agreement.   WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Response  
Zimbabwe will take all the necessa ry steps to notify the WTO taking into consideration provisions 
stated in Article 5 as soon as Zimbabwe finalises the review of the CBCA Programme.  
 
3.1.1.3 Customs Valuation  
Page 43, paragraph 3.26:  The dutiable value of imports into Zimbabwe is the sum of the purchase 
cost plus all expenses incurred for insurance and freight up to the point of entry into Zimbabwe. In 
the absence of proof of insurance and freight charges, an estimate of the cost is c alculated in the 
following way: for goods imported by air, the cost of freight and insurance is estimated at 15% of 
the f.o.b. value of the goods; the corresponding percentage is 1% for imports other than by air, and 
5%-7.5% for imports "loaded into the im porter's means of transport".  
Question 8 
Please explain how these estimated costs for insurance and freight, in the absence of 
proof, are consistent with Article 8.3 of the Agreement on Customs valuation13 which 
requires that additions to the price actual ly paid or payable be made only on the basis of 
objective and quantifiable data.  
Answer  
The estimated costs of calculating freight and insurance only applies in instances where the importer 
has failed to submit substantive proof of such costs or in instan ces where the importer provides his 
own transport and does not charge for the service. The computation of the estimates was based on 
the average costs of such insurance and freight as declared in previous transactions, hence its 
objectivity and it is quant ifiable. Therefore, such computed estimates of insurance and freight are 
consistent with Article 8.3. of the WTO Valuation Agreement.  
Follow -up Question from the United States : Please explain how an average cost can be an 
objective and quantifiable basis for determining the actual cost of transport, handling, and insurance.   
Answer to Follow -Up Question: In terms of the Article 1 of the Agreement on Customs Valuation 
the primary basis for customs valuation is " transactional value" , in th is vain on valuation of the 
costs of transport, and insurance the primary basis of valuation is in conformance with the 
Agreement in that the actual costs incurred are utilized, as evidenced by the presentation of 
documentary evidence of such payment, i.e.  transport or insurance invoices, consignment notes 
bearing such costs, or any other acceptable documentation.  
However, in the event that the costs of transport or insurance cannot be determined under Article 1 
of the Agreement, Articles 2 through to 6 are  utilized in the determination of Customs Values.  
In instances where the value of transport and insurance cannot be determined using Articles 1 to 6, 
Article 7 is then utilized. Under this method computed values have been utilized, which is in 
conformance  with the Agreement, in this instance the computed values is based on the percentages 
as stated.  
3.1.3 Tariffs  
3.1.3.2 WTO tariff bindings  
Page 47, paragraph 3.33:  The Secretariat's report indicates that Zimbabwe's applied MFN tariff 
rate for a range of pr oducts, including some agricultural products (listed in table 3.6), exceeds the 
bound rate for those goods.  
Question 8 
Please explain why Zimbabwe exceeded its bound rates for each of the commodities listed 
in table 3.6. Further, please provide steps that will be taken to bring the applied tariff 
rates at or below the bound WTO rates.  
Answer  
For fresh water fish, wood, paper & paperboard and fabrics, the tariff rates are meant to promote 
local industry. Consultations with the relevant private sector playe rs will be undertaken, with a view 
to bring the applied tariff rates at or below the bound WTO rates or if need be, renegotiate the tariff 
bindings, in order to reflect policy preferences for the country . 
 
13 Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Follow -up Question from the United States:  The Unit ed States asks Zimbabwe again to specify 
what concrete steps Zimbabwe will take, and the timing of those steps, to promptly eliminate all 
instances in which Zimbabwe is exceeding its WTO tariff bindings.   
Response  
A position paper is being developed provid ing options available whether to bring the duties to 
bindings or undertake negotiations for tariff concession changes. we hope that the paper should be 
available for discussion by mid -2021.  
3.1.6 Duty concessions, suspensions, exemptions or rebates  
Page 54 , paragraph 3.42: According to the Secretariat's report, Zimbabwe has a multi -layered 
import licensing regime. The list of products subject to licensing by the Ministry of Industry and 
Commerce (MIC) was recently shortened, however the remaining agricultur al products also require 
import permits issued by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).  
Question 9 
What is the purpose of requiring permission to import from two Ministries?  
Answer  
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) issues import licences for specific products that are 
manufactured by local industry in accordance with the Control of Goods Act and Statutory Instrument 
122 of 2017 and Statutory Instrument 237A of 2018. The purpose of import licensing from the 
perspective of MIC is for statistical  purposes and to monitor imports of products which local industry 
already produces. Most recently however, Statutory Instrument 60 of 2020 was gazetted which 
removed import licensing for flour, grain and maize meal. SI 237A (2018) and SI60 (2020) do not 
place any products under the import licensing regime of MIC but actually remove the need for 
licensing of the specified products which altogether comprise 32 product lines.  
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) issues for its own reasons that it can explain.  
Products requiring licensing from both MIC and MOA are agro -processed products such as margarine, 
flour, cooking oil whose main raw materials are directly obtained from the agricultural sector.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Please explain whether import licensing is required for flour, given the response 
indicates MIC removal of import licensing for flour, grain, and maize meal, but later 
indicates that products such as margarine, flour, and cooking oil require license from 
both MOA and MIC . 
Response to part 1 of Question 9 
According to SI60/20 flour has been removed from the regulated products list and thus do not 
require an import license from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The Ministry of Agriculture 
still regulates flour imports and requires importers to obtain import permits.  
• Can MOA please explain the purpose of its import licensing regime and what measures 
the regime implements?  
Question 10 
Please explain the complete process, including interactions with various ministry offici als, 
an importer  must follow in order to obtain an import license for those agricultural 
products. Please provide an online link for the MOA's import licensing policy.  
Answer  
At MIC, an importer must submit an application letter stating the products to be imported, their 
quantity and value. The letter must give reasons for importation which are documented by the 
Ministry for information purposes. The application letter must be accompanied by an invoice or pro -
forma invoice.  
Corporate applicants must, in add ition, submit a copy of the tax clearance certificate, copy of 
certificate of incorporation, copies of the CR14 which lists the company's registered directors, the 
CR6 which lists the company's registered address and a copy of an up to date Standards WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Devel opment Fund Levy receipt. These licensing requirements and procedures are stated on pages 
872-874 of SI 122 (2017).  
Once an application is submitted to the Ministry at the Reception on the 13th floor, Mukwati Building, 
Harare. From there, the applications are all recorded and filed then the files are given to relevant 
officers who will process the application. Once the application is approved (usually within 3 working 
days), the applicants can come to the Ministry's offices and pay the licence processing fe e 
(ZW$150.00) whereupon the hardcopy licence will now be written and issued out.  
The Ministry has now introduced an online application process where all the documents listed above 
are uploaded on the import licensing online portal and then processed online  by relevant Ministry 
official's online applications can be processed same day or even in a matter of hours. The measure 
has streamlined the application and issuance of import licenses by MIC.  
Online applicants must visit the website: https://zimeservices.pfms.gov.zw  
For permits issued by the Ministry responsible for Agriculture, the first step is an application, in 
person, for a plant import permit from the Department of Research and Specialist Services i n Harare 
or the Head Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection Services Institute in Mazowe. A permit is required 
for all plants and plant products entering Zimbabwe. The process involves pest risk analysis, and a 
decision by the Chief Plant Quarantine Office on whether pre -shipment inspection is required. A 
weekly schedule is compiled by the NPPO for approval, together with a recommendation for approval 
(or not) by the approving authority. Registration of the applicant with the Agricultural Marketing 
Authority  is a pre -requirement. The second step involves an application for a biosafety permit from 
the National Biotechnology Authority (See also 3.2.3.1). The third step involves the issuance of an 
import permit by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Clima te and Rural Resettlement. This 
process takes about 14 days. In the case of approval, a permit is issued. There is no website yet 
that allows for import handling permit applications. The applicable fees are USD 5 for commercial 
imports and USD 1 for other imports.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  Are there any plans for the Ministry of 
Agriculture's import licensing systems to move online, like has been done with MIC?  
Can Zimbabwe please clarify if an agent is able to submit an application?  
• Despit e not having a website as of yet that allows for management of import permit 
applications, can MOA supply a link to its processes and relevant regulations or provide 
scanned copies?  
• Please provide the law that gives MOA the power to write the import permit ting 
regulations.  
• What is the decision -making process for adding or removing products to the list 
requiring licenses?  
• Please provide like copies or references to the written regulations and/or procedures.  
3.1.7 Import prohibitions, restrictions, and lice nsing  
3.1.7.1 Import licensing, controls and other restrictions  
Page 54, paragraphs 3.42 -3.45: The Secretariat's report includes a list of products in table 3.10 
that have been identified as being subject to licensing under MIC and the Control of Goods. 
Paragraph 3.42 of the report indicates that the procedures for modifying the non -automatic import  
licensing change frequently. The United States still encourages Zimbabwe to formally notify these 
changes to the WTO Import Licensing Committee. The permit regime administered by the MOA is 
less transparent and appears to be implemented through acts and r egulations including the "Animal 
Health (Import) Regulation of 1989" and the "Grain Marketing Act".  
Question 1 1 
Please provide an update on amendments to these acts and the lists of products subject 
to the import requirements  contained within.  
Answer  
Since the last TPR in 2011, the main legislation on import licensing - the Control of Goods (Import 
and Export) (Commerce) Regulations, under the authority of the MIC, was amended by the gazetting 
of SI 126/14, SI 6/16 SI 18/16, SI 19/16, SI 20/16 and SI 64/16. Between 2014 and 2016, these WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  legislation incrementally added products to the import licencing regime. In 2017, SI 122/17 
consolidated all the previous instruments cited above, into one instrument, SI 122/17 which also 
remov ed the import licensing requirement for some  products. The most recent legislation, S.I. 
237A/18 and SI 60/20  amended S.I.  122/17 by removing import licensing requirement (from MIC) 
for 32 product lines.  
Follow -up Question from the United States: The Unite d States notes that none of these 
measures have been notified to the Committee on Import Licensing Procedures. Please indicate when 
Zimbabwe plans to notify its complete import licensing regime.  
Response  
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will start not ifying its complete licensing regime 
during the period end of year 2020 going forward.  
Question 12 
Which administrative  bodies of the MOA issue the import permits?  
Answer  
For imports, the first step is an application, in person, for a plant import permit  from the Department 
of Research and Specialist Services in Harare or the Head Plant Quarantine and Plant Protection 
Services Institute in Mazowe. A permit is required for all plants and plant products entering 
Zimbabwe. The process involves pest risk anal ysis, and a decision by the Chief Plant Quarantine 
Office on whether pre -shipment inspection is required. A weekly schedule is compiled by the NPPO 
for approval, together with a recommendation for approval (or not) by the approving authority. 
Registration of the applicant with the Agricultural Marketing Authority is a pre -requirement. The 
second step involves an application for a biosafety permit from the National Biotechnology Authority 
(See also 3.2.3.1). The third step involves the issuance of an import permit by the Ministry of Lands, 
Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement. This process takes about 14 days. In the case 
of approval, a permit is issued. There is no website yet that allows for import handling permit 
applications. The applicable fees are USD 5 for commercial imports and USD 1 for other imports.  
Plant Quarantine Services – plant import permit/ phytosanitary certificate  
Veterinary Services Department -Veterinary import permit/ veterinary Health certificate  
Ministry of Lands, Depart ment of Strategic Policy Planning and Business Development for issuance 
of import and export permits.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  The United States notes that it appears at least 
seven different agencies and offices are involved in the appro val of an import license.  
• Can Zimbabwe explain why so many different administrative bodies are involved in the 
approval process?  
Response  
The pieces of legislation lie with different departments with different mandates  
• Does Zimbabwe have any plans to str eamline this system in the future?  
Response  
Zimbabwe now has a centralised system of operating through the One Stop Shop in the Ministry.  
• On average, how many days are required from the date that an application is received 
until a license is granted?  
Response  
Minimum one working day for plant quarantine  
3.3.2 Standards and other technical requirements  
Page 64, paragraph 3.78:  The Continental Standardization Body under the ARSO was established 
in 1977, with the mandate of harmonizing African Regional Standards, which are developed or 
adopted. To date, the ARSO has harmonized more than 280 standards and, of these, Zimbabwe has 
adopted 51.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 13 
Why has Zimbabwe not adopted more of the 280 standards?  
Answer  
Zimbabwe joined ARSO in 2017 and has a backlog of African standards still pending stakeholder 
consultation for national adoption. We are now active in the ARSO harmoniza tion programme whose 
mandate is to harmonize continental standards to facilitate trade within the AfCFTA.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  Does Zimbabwe have a timeline for the national 
adoption of ARSO standards? Has Zimbabwe ranked or created a  priority list of ARSO standards for 
national adoption? If so, can Zimbabwe share those standards or categories it has prioritized for 
national adoption?  
Does Zimbabwe have a timeline for the national adoption of ARSO standards?  
Response  
We do not have a timeline for the adoptions. Were we are a participating member we adopt the 
ARSO standards within 6 months of ARSO publication.  
Has Zimbabwe ranked or created a priority list of ARSO standards for national adoption?  
Response  
We do not have a priorit y list but active TCs review relevant ARSO standards and adopt them.  
3.3.3 Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements  
Page 66, paragraph 3.93 : Zimbabwe's SPS regime remains substantially unchanged since the last 
TPR in 2011. The legal framework for foo d safety, animal health, and plant pest and disease control 
is largely obsolete, and requires modernization. Zimbabwe provided five SPS notifications in the 
period under review (Table 2.2). No specific trade concerns were raised against Zimbabwe's 
measures  in the WTO SPS Committee.  
Question 14 
The Secretariat's report notes that Zimbabwe's SPS regime is "largely obsolete and 
requires modernization." How does Zimbabwe plan to modernize their SPS regime?  
Answer  
The statement that Zimbabwe SPS regime is 'obs olete' is an overstatement. We can agree that it is 
not up to date with international standards but not obsolete. There are efforts to modernize to a 
limited extend. As an example, A food safety strategy has already been crafted. Zimbabwe has plans 
to cons titute a food control authority that will oversee all food control activities along the' farm to 
fork' continuum. This will operate a risk based approach to food safety control. However due to 
resource constraints the plans cannot be executed at this momen t in time.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Can Zimbabwe provide a timeline and update on its progress to modernize its SPS 
regime? Can Zimbabwe provide further information on its plans to modernize its SPS 
regime? Specifically, can Zimbabwe ide ntify the specific areas in which it seeks to 
modernize its SPS regime and specify exactly which efforts are currently being 
undertaken? Please identify the regulatory body and/or bodies involved in this 
modernization.  
Response  
Some equipment is being pur chased to modernise the laboratory operations though resource 
constraints and Covid -19 global pandemic hamper the pace at which this is being done. In the same 
vein, legislation is being reviewed albeit resource constraints.  
It is important to note that t he Plant Health Authorities in 2020 developed audit systems that helps 
in monitoring and making sure that Plant Health concerns are taken care of and that regulations in 
line with plant health are being adhered to.   
• Can Zimbabwe provide further information  on its plans to constitute a food control 
authority? Please provide further details on: (1) the authority and coordination of the 
food control authority; (2) how local and national governments will cooperate; (3) how WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  the food control authority will coordi nate with the ministries, agencies, and/or 
regulatory bodies responsible for SPS measures.  
• Can Zimbabwe identify and provide further details on the basis for its envisioned risk -
based approach to food safety control? Please explain how this risk -based appr oach 
aligns with existing criteria and guidelines of international standard setting bodies, such 
as OIE, IPPC, and Codex.  
Response  
Under IPPC guidelines, the plant healthy authorities monitor regulatory functions of good agricultural 
practises including the use and reduction of chemical residues in crop produce.  
 
• We take note that, due to resource constraints, Zimbabwe's plans to ope rate a risk -
based approach to food safety control cannot be executed at this time. Can Zimbabwe 
identify the resource constraints and provide a possible timeline on when it expects to 
begin operating the envisioned risk -based approach to food safety contro l? 
Response  
The plant healthy authority requires improved mobility for outreach programmes including for 
monitoring and enforcement of compliance; Internet connectivity; technical backstopping and 
cooperation from partners with fully functional monitoring systems. Capacity building in both human 
resources and operational structures.  
Page 66, paragraph  3.95:  Zimbabwe states that it has entered into commitments to work towards 
the harmonization of SPS measures within the South African Development Community (SADC).  
Question 15 
Can Zimbabwe provide an update and/or timeline as to the status of Zimbabwe's progres s 
on these commitments towards harmonization of SPS measures within the SADC?  
Answer  
There is progress in bilateral harmonization in some SPS areas. Documents have been crafted in 
terms of guidelines on harmonization. However implementation has been a cha llenge due to resource 
constraints.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Can Zimbabwe please identify the documents it has crafted on guidelines related to 
harmonization?  
Response  
SADC harmonised seed regulations (draft).  
• Can Zimbabwe please identify the regulatory body and/or bodies involved in crafting 
and implementing the guidelines on harmonization?  
Response  
 
Plant Healthy authorities involved in Seed Trade (Plant Quarantine a nd Seed Services Institutes)  
 
• Can Zimbabwe identify the specific resource constraints that challenge the 
harmonization of its SPS measures within the SADC and provide greater clarity on how 
these constraints impact its timeline on harmonization?  
Response  
Capacity building and awareness to conduct workshops; mobility to do inspections and to monitor 
implementation of the regulation; the need to modernise equipment for laboratory testing, 
decentralisation of operations to be close to farming areas; the abov e challenges if not considered 
makes the production of the seeds under SADC Harmonised SPS agreement slow to take off and this 
resulting in Zimbabwe failing to implement and support food security with the SADC block.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Question 16 
The Secretariat's report  notes that the Chief Plant Quarantine Office (CPQO) decides 
whether a pre -shipment inspection is required. How does the CPQO arrive at the 
determination requiring pre -shipment inspection is required?  
Answer  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  The United States notes that Zimbabwe has not 
answered the question. Can Zimbabwe please explain how the determination requiring pre -shipment 
inspection is required?  
Response  
The determination regarding pre -shipment inspection comes from ris k assessments reports 
contacted by a team of experts from the Plant Health Authorities and Stakeholders.  
Page 69, paragraph 3.107 : Zimbabwe states that it maintains a ban on cultivation, (sale and use) 
of GMOs and GMO products, and that while imports of G MO products are generally prohibited, 
imports of GM -modified grains (e.g. maize and soya beans) may be authorized under supervised 
milling requirements.  
 
Question 17 
Please clarify which products, e.g. maize and soya beans, may be authorized under 
supervised milling requirements. Please explain the basis for exempting these products 
from the general ban on the sale and use of GMOs and GMO products.  
 
Answer  
Please refe r to the response given on question 37. In addition, please note that processed foods 
which contain GMOs can be put on the market provided that labelling regulations are followed. 
Genetically modified seed can only be imported for confined field trials and  will only be approved for 
commercial use once the country adopts GMOs. Research trials are allowed and should be conducted 
under the supervision of NBA.  
 
Follow -up Question from the United States:  We understand Zimbabwe allowed a temporary 
reprieve on re strictions of imported GMO seeds (maize) in order to address the past year's food 
insecurity.  
• Could Zimbabwe please describe under what conditions such reprieves are possible.  
Response  
 
Zimbabwe has always put in place provision for importation of GMO gai n under supervised milling 
and transportation arrangements during times of food shortages. Millers who are able to abide to 
supervised milling procedures are given permits to import GMO maize grain. The country is also 
moving towards evaluation of GM crops  for possible adoption if approved. The modalities for the 
possible adoption of GM crops are being worked out by the relevant stakeholders.  
 
3.3.5 State trading, state -owned enterprises, and privatization  
Page 72, paragraph 3.125:  The Secretariat's report  indicates that Zimbabwe has not made a 
notification to the Working Party on State Trading Enterprises since 2008, despite having a biennial 
requirement to do so.  
Question 18 
Please indicate  when Zimbabwe will make its notification and whether it will cov er the 
period from 2008 – forward.  
Answer  
The entities listed in the report do not have monopoly control on the export of goods and in that 
regard do not control all exports out of the country.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  Unfortunately, Zimbabwe's reply does not directly 
respond to our original question.  Therefore, we ask Zimbabwe again to indicate when it will make 
its updated notification and whether it will cover the period from 2008 -forward.  Also, Zimbabwe is 
reminded t hat the working definition of "state trading enterprise" includes entities with both 
exclusive and special rights which, through the exercise of those rights, they influence through their WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  purchases or sales the level or direction of imports or exports.  Focusing on monopolies or on 
enterprises that export alone will not encompass all potentially applicable enterprises.  
Page 72, paragraphs 3.125, 3.126 and 3.127: In its last notification in June 2008, Zimbabwe 
stated that it does not have any officially defin ed state trading enterprises. However, the report lists 
over 50 enterprises that appear to be involved in international trade.  
Question 19 
What percentage of agri -food exports and what percentage of agri -food imports  are 
managed (through buying or selling)  by the enterprises identified in the report?  
Answer  
Trade in agricultural products is mainly through private sector players except in grain imports 
wherein GMB is involved in ensuring the Strategic Grain Reserve has enough grain reserves in cases 
of maiz e deficits.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  Please provide a breakdown (by volume or value) 
of agri-food exports noting the amounts exported through state -owned enterprises versus amounts 
exported by the private sector.  
Question 20 
Please describe any export credits, or export financing offered by the Reserve Bank of 
Zimbabwe to promote exports? Where can rate information be obtained?  
 
Answer  
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is currently not offering any export credit. This is in line with the 
monetary targeting framework which is meant to contain money supply growth in the economy in 
order to stabilise the exchange rate and reduce inflation.  
 
Follow -up Question from the United States:  Could Zimbabwe please describe the RBZ's gold 
incentive prog ram, and its role in stabilizing the exchange rate and the reduction of inflation?  
 
Response  
The gold incentive was a temporary but very important Government program which was geared at 
supporting the country's gold sector in the face of vulnerabilities. T he programme has since been 
discontinued as part of the reforms that are being implemented by Government.  
 
3.3.6 Government Procurement  
Page 74, paragraph 3.130 : Zimbabwe's new Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe 
(PRAZ) oversees public procuremen t proceedings to ensure transparency, honesty, cost -
effectiveness and competition in public procurement. The PRAZ directly reports to the Office of the 
President.  
Question 21 
How does the PRAZ maintain independence to ensure public procurements are meetin g 
these goals of transparency and fairness?  
Answer  
The independence of PRAZ is derived from Section 6 (Functions of the Authority) and Section (Powers 
of the Authority) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23]. The 
Act spells out the manner in which these functions are to  be discharged and limits the Authority's 
role to a supervisory one that focuses on the attainment of the objectives of the Act.  
The Authority has a strong monitoring and evaluation unit that supervises procuring entities to 
ensure processes are transpare nt and fair.  
Act further makes provisions for use of other committees outside the PRAZ to handle different 
scenarios that may be encountered in order to preserve the Authority independence and supervisory 
function. These committees are as follows;  
a. Special Procurement Oversight Committee. This committee is provided for under 
section  54 of the Act. The Committee reviews all procurements of a special nature as 
provided for within the Act. It is chaired by the Attorney General, with Accountant General 
and two o ther independent members who are non -PRAZ personnel as members.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  b. Review Panels. These panels are provided for under section 75 of the Act. The 
panels are set up from time to time in a manner prescribed in the Act, to review 
challenged procurement processes in which a bidder and procurement entity have 
not been able to resolve a dispute.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Does the Authority's monitoring and evaluation unit have oversight of the external 
review panels?  
Response  
Whilst the Authority's Monitoring and Evaluation Division does not have oversight of external review 
committees. The PRAZ legal Department does.  
 
According to Section 75 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA), a 
review panel constitutes of member representatives of various professional and civil sector bodies. 
Their decision is binding on the bidder that launched the chal lenge and the procuring entity whose 
procurement processes are subject to challenge as given in Section 76 of the PPDPA Act. The bidder 
has rights to appeal up to Administrative court.  
• In cases where there is a procurement dispute between a bidder and a pr ocuring entity, 
how are determinations handled?  
Response  
There are numerous possibilities that relate to potential disputes between a Procuring Entity and a 
Bidder. These may be viewed as  
 
• Pre- contract  
• Post -contract  
 
Before an award is issued, whilst t he procurement is still being processed; the provisions of the 
following sections apply in dealing with any disputes  
 
1. PPDPA Section 72, 73 -76. 
2. PPDPA Regulations Sections 68 -77 
 
Once a contract is issued, ensuing disputes are managed under  
1. Sections 78 -89 (Procurement Contracts)  
2. PPDPA Regulations Sections 68 -77 (Debarment Procedures)  
 
• Is the Review Panel responsible for issuing any corrective actions?  
Response  
Yes. According to  Section 76 (3),(4),(5) and (6) of the PPDPA Act, there are specific corrective 
actions a review panel may take upon review of a case . If not conciliated, the bidder has rights to 
appeal up to Administrative court.  
• Could Zimbabwe please elaborate on when PRAZ will begin publishing procurement 
award notices online (the web page dedicated to this is blank)? 
https://portal.praz.org.zw/awards  
Response  
Operationalization of the web page is work in progress, it i s set to be fully functional before the end 
of year 2020.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  4 TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR  
4.1 Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries  
4.1.2 Agricultural policy framework  
Page 83, paragraph 4.26 : According to the Secretariat, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) in 
Zimbabwe is responsible for a host of functions including administering the Strategic Grain Reserve 
and acting as an ad hoc grain importer and exporter. However, in June 2019, the Government 
reverted to strict controls of the domestic maize trade and made all sales to the GMB compulsory. 
The rationale for this restrictive policy is stated as a necessity to ensure sufficient supply of maize 
for the population.  
Question 22 
Please provide the text of any law or decree clarifying GMB's role in procurement, stor age 
and disposal (including domestic sale and export) document and any special or exclusive 
privileges granted to GMB relating to grain trade.  
Answer  
The Grain Marketing Board operations are guided by the Grain Marketing Act [Chapter 18:14]. The 
10 April 2018 Cabinet Decision confined the GMB to the procurement, storage and handling of 
identified cereals under the SGR. The GMB does not have special or exclusive privileges relating to 
grain trade except where the Minister responsible for Agriculture may dee m it necessary to institute 
measures, in the national interest, that result in the GMB enjoying special or exclusive privileges.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Please explain under what criteria or circumstances the Minister of Agriculture may  
grant GMB with the privilege to trade grain.  
Response  
When the Government makes huge investments into Agriculture and it was to achieve a fair return 
on its investment.  
• The Grain Marketing Act establishes the GMB and prescribes powers "to regulate and 
control the prices and marketing of certain agricultural products and their derivatives," 
and part IV, paragraph 31 reads, " Fixing of prices: In each year the Minister shall, by 
statutory instrument, fix the price or prices payable by the GMB during the twelve 
months following the 1st April in that year for any controlled product which is sold to or 
acquired by the Grain Marketing Board and which complies with the terms of any rules 
made under paragraph 2 or 3 of the Schedule ."  
• How are the SGR 's purchasing prices for international purchase of grain determined? 
Please provide the link for the legislation or documents that establish purchase prices. 
Please share any criteria or formula for fixing the prices of GMB purchases.  
Response:  
Internatio nal grain purchase price is determined world prices and SAFEX pricing. Contracts are 
entered into with various suppliers and confidentiality is the key word in these contracts since food 
security issues requires such.  
Question 23 
If the GMB or the Governme nt of Zimbabwe establish annual targets, or minimum or 
maximum amounts, for publicly procured grain stock, please provide these targets by 
product and describe the basis for setting these targets  
Answer  
An annual target is established in line with the SGR level. The SGR level should fluctuate from a 
minimum of 500 000 mt to 936 000mt according to the Debt Takeover Agreement signed between 
Government and the GMB in 1996. The SGR is composed of cereal food crops that include maize 
and traditional grains. Ther e are no specific quantities for each of the crops that make up the SGR 
although maize will always constitute the bulk of the stocks.  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Are the target levels for the SGR made public annually or periodically, and i s the criteria 
for establishing SGR target levels publicly available? If so, please provide the website 
where the information is published.  
Response  
The process of setting out targets is determined by the strategic planning process which in itself is 
consu ltative process as most key stakeholders participates during the process. The whole process is 
governed by the grain production levels and as well as the mandate as stated in the Grain Marketing 
Act and the Debt Take Over Agreement.  
• Please explain how import contracts for SGR purchases are established. For example, 
is there an application process that importers must follow, does Zimbabwe have a list 
of approved countries or enterprises permitted to export grain for GMB purchase, or ar e 
purchases made on the open market?  
• Are imports selected based on price or quality targets (or both)?  
Response  
Grain imports are according to a criterion which takes into account the quality, quantity, price and 
payment modalities into considerations.  
• How are tenders for SGR purchases announced?  
Response  
SGR Purchases are handled in line with the procurement processes which include advertising tenders 
in various newspapers mainly the weekly publications. Public Procurement and Disposal O f Public 
Asset Act and Regulations  
• As indicated in the Grain Marketing Act [Chapter 18:14] part VI, section 33, 
subsection  1-2, are domestic producers of controlled grain products required to sell all 
or a minimum portion of their crop to the GMB or other public enterprise?  
Response  
GMB is the buyer of last resort which therefore means that farmers can look for any market and in 
cases where they do not find one, they should deliver to the GMB. However, there are certain 
instances where the GMB remains the s ole buyer when the Minister announces an SI to that effect. 
Currently SI45 of 2019 prohibits other players from buying maize grains but this is only during the 
life time of the SI. Once it falls away, the market becomes open to any player. In all the insta nces, 
the GMB does not compel producers to sell prescribed quantities to it.  
• Has Zimbabwe ever exported grain stocks from the SGR or from other stocks purchased 
by the GMB?  
Response  
Zimbabwe used to be the bread basket of Africa which means that it used t o export grain through 
the GMB. Under all the circumstances, when GMB(Government) decides to export grain in a good 
year, SGR interests must be protected.  
FOLLOW -UP QUESTIONS BASED ON THE GOVERNMENT'S REPORT  
3 VISION 2030 AGENDA  
3.1 Progress in the Imple mentation of the TSP  
Page 5, paragraph 3.5:  The current regime hurts countries trying to export to Zimbabwe, as the 
GOZ is controlling who gets allocated FX at preferential rate.   
 
Question 24 
Will they liberalize the currency regime to allow for a market -supported rate?   
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
- 111 - 
 
  Answer  
In a statement issued on 11 March 2020, the Zimbabwean government announced that it was 
introducing, with immediate effect, an electronic foreign currency trading platform based on the 
Reuters system is being immediately put  in place .14 This platform is meant to allow foreign exchange 
to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined. 
Bureaux de Changes will also participate on this platform through their banks (Authorised Dealers).   
The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilize the 
exchange rate, where necessary. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through 
the interbank market which will use a market determined e xchange rate.  
https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/press/March/PRESS -STATEMENT -FX.pdf  
The country has already adopted a "managed float" exchange rate regime, abandoning strict co ntrol 
of foreign exchange by the central bank. A Reuters Electronic Forex Trading Platform which allows 
registered financial institutions to freely trade foreign exchange, thereby permitting a true market 
exchange rate to be determined, was introduced. The  central bank will also liberalise use of free 
funds for importation of goods and services and this process has already commenced with Direct 
Fuel Imports.  
 
Follow -up Question from the United States:  The RBZ has now shifted to a weekly foreign 
currency auction system, which resulted in a sharp currency depreciation. Still, businesses note it is 
difficult to access U.S. dollars through this auction system, and a large portion of the private sector 
still relies on the black market for foreign currency needs.  
• Are there plans in place to further liberalize foreign currency trading?  
Response  
 
As with all other economies liberalisation interventions in the foreign exchange market are subject 
to balance of p ayments and other external sector developments from time to time. The Government 
is however committed to continue implementing far reaching macroeconomic reforms as stipulated 
in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (2018 -2020) and the forthcoming Nati onal Development 
Strategy (2020 -2025).  
 
12 TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES  
12.7 Standards and Quality  
Page 21, paragraph 12.26 : According to the Government's report, Zimbabwe notes that the 
government seeks to "implement internationally accepted quality stand ards and accreditation 
programs to develop local standards based on internationally accepted standards."  
Question 25 
Can Zimbabwe  please explain how during the standard setting process, the government 
will differentiate between relevant international standards and guidance, versus EU 
standards?  
Answer  
For internationally agreed standards information is well documented in texts. For private standards 
these will be again clearly specified by the importers to the exporters.  
Follow -up Question from the United States:  
• Can Zimbabwe share what documented texts it references regarding guidance 
differentiating between relevant international standards and guidance versus EU 
standards?  
Response  
CODEX, IPCC and OIE are the reference documents for international standards.  
• How does Zimbabwe publish or ensure access to relevant standards for importers in 
order to ensure they are able to clearly sp ecify requirements to exporters?  
 
14 https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/press/March/PRESS -STATEMENT -FX.pdf . WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  Response  
For EU there is a link on the ZIM EU EBIC where traders can access EU standards  
In case of Zimbabwe, importers will also get links to relevant departments/ Ministries where they 
will get relevant information.  
 WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  ICELAND (ADDITIONAL)  
Questions to Zimbabwe from Iceland  
Question 1  
What is the participation of women in the economy of Zimbabwe?  
 
Women and men in Zimbabwe tend to work in different occupations (horizontal segregation) and in 
different positions within the same occupational group (vertical segregation). The differences may 
be accounted for by:  
 
• Gender roles and or stereotypes.  
• Limited choices and opportunities.  
• Access to education and training services.  
According to the 2014 labour force survey there a re more women than men in the following 
occupations:  
 
• Skilled agriculture, forestry and fishery work 56%  
• Service and sales workers 55.7%  
• Professional  work 50.7%  
While women are outnumbered in the following occupations:  
 
• Elementary occupations 49.9%  
• Technicians and associates 34%  
• Managers 27.6%  
• Craft and related trades 18.9%  
• Plant and machine operators and assemblers 6.2%  
• Armed forces 4.6%  
Women contribute 56% to the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector. Women also dominate work 
in the private ho useholds, human health and social work wholesale and retail trade education and 
activities of extra -territorial organisations. Women make up 49% of workers in informal 
employment.  
 
Question 2  
Have specific barriers that limit women's participation in trade been identified?  
 
The Ministry has conducted consultations with women in the informal trade sector who have 
highlighted the following challenges:  
 
• Limited access to finance,  
• Lack of collate ral, 
• Exorbitant duty and tariffs,  
• Corruption and delays at border facilities,  
• Ignorance of rules regulating regional trade,  WT/TPR/M/39 8/Add.1  
 
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  • Lack of financial literacy and business skills . 
Question 3  
Has Zimbabwe implemented any specific measures to encourage women's pa rticipation 
in trade and promote women's entrepreneurship, or are such measures being developed?  
 
The Ministry facilitates women's participation and access to markets in various trade initiatives at 
locally trade fairs (Zimbabwe International Trade Fair an d the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show) 
regionally and internationally. The Ministry:  
 
• Facilitates engagement between regulators of trade, (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, 
ZIMTRADE and Standards Association of Zimbabwe) and women in the trade sector to 
dispel myths regarding local and external trade regulations.  
• Provides business training for women in the trade sector at no cost.  
• Provides funding for women existing projects through the Women's Development Fund  
• The Ministry has launched the regional online platform  (50 MASWP) in order to 
encourage women to register on the platform and to digitally market their products 
across the COMESA region.  
• Is in the process of developing a handbook for women in cross border trade to enable 
them to use the Simplified Trade Regi mes to promote trade within the region.  
• Intends to re -establish the National FEMCOM Chapter, an affiliate of the regional body 
that seeks to integrate women into trade and development activities in eastern and 
southern Africa.  
Question 4  
Are the effects of  trade policy on women and men measured and monitored, and if so 
how?  
 
The Ministry has structures at Ward, District and Provincial level and the Ministry Staff has the 
responsibility of monitoring and evaluating women in trade activities and programmes th rough the 
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. The Ministry 
has also established a Monitoring and Evaluation Department at national level which oversees the 
monitoring and evaluation of all projects and programmes.   
 
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