Cotecna Honoured to Panel at the 7th Annual SADC Industrialisation Week

Cotecna was deeply honoured to have been invited by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) to participate as a panellist at the 7th Annual SADC Industrialisation Week held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Cotecna’s VP of VOC, Lena Södergren, was a distinguished panellist in the session on “The Future of Trade in Services in the SADC Region.”

This session presented a longer-term strategy for advancing trade in services within the SADC region. The discussion emphasized the role of services that support industrialization by lowering trade barriers, reducing regulatory divergencies, promoting digital services, improving recognition of qualifications, and engaging closer with businesses.

The panel, moderated by Mr. Malcolm McKinnon, Senior Trade Advisor: Trade in Services, SADC/GIZ CESARE, was a significant forum. Cotecna’s VP of VOC Lena Södergren emphasized the importance of standardization across Southern Africa. She highlighted the critical role of quality standards and consumer protection in fostering a robust trade environment. As a leading testing, inspection, and certification body, Cotecna’s primary focus is on safeguarding not only consumers but also private sector industries and the environment.

Cotecna’s Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Mr. Cedric Serre and the Zimbabwe Deputy Country Manger Axel Nze Ayong were also in attendance, providing them with the opportunity to network with attendants from across Southern Africa. In SADC, Cotecna currently has VOC programs in Zimbabwe significant metal and mineral testing and inspection services in South Africa and is committed to assisting with the growing need for standardised conformity assessments in the region.

Cotecna would like to thank MoIC for allowing us to be part of this momentous event. We remain committed to supporting MoIC and contributing to the advancement of the Zimbabwe CBCA program.

For more details on our services in Zimbabwe, please contact Cotecna Zimbabwe or download our free Zimbabwe Exporter Guide.