Worldwide interest in Trade Fair — Rowe

FOR the past 15 years the only international exhibitor at the annual international trade fair in Bulawayo has been South Africa.

But the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair there from May 3 to 11 this year has drawn world-wide interest, according to the general manager, Mr Graham Rowe, who is on a brief visit to South Africa, reports Iana.

Mr Rowe said in an interview that countries such as Britain, the USA, Austria, Transkei and Zambia would exhibit at this year’s fair, with Malawi coming if there is space.

“This year international interest is back where it was in the early 1960s,” Mr Rowe said, “with additional countries such as Israel, Portugal, West Germany already booked for next year’s fair.”

All Heads of State of the frontline States, plus their Ministers of Commerce and Industry, had been invited to the official opening.

He said development plans, involving $1 million, had been approved and about $700 000 would be spent on enlarging undercover space for next year’s fair.

Lessons For Today

Trade Fairs or shows play a pivotal role in the development of many countries. They are a crucial sales and marketing tool for local businesses and the country as a whole. The history of trade fairs dates back to the 13th century when European merchants began to hold annual fairs in cities and towns across the continent. These events were held at fixed times of the year and were known as “marts.”

◆ The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair has evolved overtime from being a local expo to an international expo attracting companies and countries and foreign dignitaries from the region, continent and across the world, which has made it one of the foremost trade expos on the continent. This year, the guest of honour is Kenyan President William Ruto.