ZimTrade has established a comprehensive Trade Information Centre (TIC) to provide up to date information on International Market trends and developments. This Centre is designed to assist exporters, importers, potential exporters and the business community as whole to identify, develop and exploit international market opportunities for the Zimbabwe products and services. The TIC has specialised Trade reference Library, basic trade advisory service and a trade information publications service. Specific information sources available in the reference library include:

. trade directories (importers, exporters, manufacturers, products, etc)

. make studies

. country profiles

. product reports

. trade journals

. computerised databases on Zimbabwean exporters and importers, foreign buyers and sellers; international trade fairs; international trade statistics; trade and investment information on Zimbabwe

. computerised databanks containing indexed articles from all the major international business journals

. on-line access to the major international business databases including the Group of Fifteen (G15)'s SITTDEC network

All information contained in the TIC library is catalogued in a public access computerised library information system.

The Centre is open to all individuals engaged in or planning to engage in trade-oriented business activities.

The TIC provides a variety of specialised trade services including reference library, a trade advisory service, and a trade information publishing service. TIC clients will normally visit the Centre to consult the available information sources.

Specific services available at the TIC include:

. a trained Librarian to assist clients locate relevant material

. an information Advisory service which includes helping clients interpret and analyze market information

. free access to the CD-ROM information systems and company and trade

. access to On-Line international databases (provided on a cost recovery basis)

. a study area and a photocopy service

. marketing staff of ZimTrade to assist in utilising the information available at the TIC and to develop a marketing plan

. quick reference service

. TIC publications, such as, the monthly newsletter, Annual Trade Directory, New Exporters Guide Series and other ad hoc publications.

The Trade Information Centre can provide all the necessary information required to undertake in-depth market research into product trends and opportunities in the region and the major world markets.

Most of the basic services of the TIC are provided to clients without charge. On-Line information access will be charged to clients on a cost recovery basis and there is also a small charge for photocopy and other similar services.

Where is the TIC located?

LOCATION: POSTAL ADDRESS:

ZIMTRADE Head Office ZimTrade

Fourth Floor, Kurima House, P.O.BOX 2738

89 Baker Avenue, Harare

Harare Zimbabwe

Telephone: (263-4) 732974/7 731020/706772

Telex: 26677 ZTRADE ZW

Fax: (263-4) 706930

The centre is open to business community from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Who to contact for further information?

The Manager, Trade Information Centre, the Librarian or Trade Information Advisor. All TIC staff are in a position to help or redirect your inquiry if required.

Companies are also encouraged to actively participate in the ongoing development of the Centre. Please tell us what you find useful and feel free to make suggestions for further development of the Centre.

All comments and/or suggestions should be made to Mrs. Ma-Lord Makaya, TIC Manager, at the above address.