President Mugabe says it is therefore very important that Zambia and Zimbabwe diversify their economic activities in the agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors by placing increasing emphasis on value addition.

President Mugabe says dependency on the product and export of primary commodities whose demands and prices are externally driven will not lead the country to the desired economic growth.

Speaking when he officially opened this year's 86th agriculture and commercial show under the theme: Building on today's prosperity, Mr. Mugabe says both countries should aim at improving the quality of locally produced goods and services and to increase shares on world exports from all sectors of the country%u2019s economy.

President Mugabe notes that this year's theme has comes at the right time as it rightfully points out Zambia's economic potential in southern Africa.

He adds that the agriculture and commercial show offers a platform for business networking and sharing of ideas between, agriculturists, industrialists and investors in Africa and beyond.

And President Mugabe has called on ministries of commerce and industry of both Zambia and Zimbabwe to be more aggressive in adopting and adapting to cutting edge innovative solutions in order to sustain competitiveness.

He states that investment in relevant technology to improve productivity and quality of goods and services is critical in order to take advantage of export opportunities in the region and beyond.

And speaking earlier, Show Society President Joseph Mwale said besides the economic benefits that accrue in hosting the show, this year's event pose an opportunity to many Zambians who came to help in preparations and earned an extra income.