Trade fair ends on high note
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) ended in Bulawayo yesterday, with authorities noting that the success of the event was evidence that the country’s economy was on a firm path to growth.
ZITF came just a week after the city hosted another major national event-the main Independence Day celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium on April 18.
The 62nd edition of the ZITF ran under the theme: “Rethink, Reimagine, Reinvent Value Chains for Economic Development.”
Addressing a press conference yesterday, Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sekai Nzenza said this year’s event has been a success as evidenced by the quality of local products on display.
“I would like to outline that the quality of the exhibition and products displayed were unprecedented in Zimbabwe.
“This was a successful ZITF. We were given a mandate by President Mnangagwa to move up the value chain and the trade showcase provided a platform for local and international companies to market their products, network and strategise,” she said.
Dr Nzenza said as seen through the exhibitions, the business community took heed of President Mnangagwa’s call for private sector-led growth and this year’s edition was different as industry players managed to identify the shortcomings that plague the sector.
She said one of the challenges noted in the country was the high number of imports, mostly of products that could be produced in the country.
Dr Nzenza added that the fair increased connection between the country and international companies, embassies and diplomats that reflected confidence in the Second Republic and the work President Mnangagwa was doing.
ZITF company chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo said a total of 45 786 square metres were taken up representing 93 percent of the available space, and this was after organisers created supplementary exhibition space.
“The majority of the 542 exhibitors (420 direct exhibitors and 162 indirect exhibitors) who participated have expressed satisfaction with their participation, particularly with the quality and quantity of their interactions,” he said.
Mr Moyo said 24 foreign exhibitors participated, representing countries that include Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Belarus, Britain, Indonesia and Japan.
He said approximately 200 delegates representing 30 countries participated in the second edition of the ZITF Diplomats Forum.
President Mnangagwa officially opened the trade showcase on Friday where he also lauded this year’s edition as being the largest ever, noting that it was evidence that the country’s economy was now out of depression and on a recovery trajectory.