Bulawayo (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) roars to life on Tuesday after two years of absence forced by the Covid-19 pandemic which gripped the world.
Exhibitors, including one of the biggest foreign contingent, were on Monday putting up finishing touches on their stands ahead of the opening of the trade extravaganza.
This year’s showcase, to be officially opened on Friday by Eswatini King Mswati, has been fully booked, an indication of growing business confidence in the country by both local and foreign investors.
It is running under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.”
ZITF board chairperson, Busisa Moyo told New Ziana that all systems were now in place, with human resources and infrastructure all deployed and configured to ensure a successful show.
“From an organiser’s perspective, it is now all systems go as the bulk of exhibitors have already arrived in Bulawayo. Judging from the type of equipment and products being offloaded and displayed, the exhibition promises to be high quality and reflective of the theme,” he said.
Moyo said many pavilions have been given facelifts and were looking refreshed and inviting.
“Exhibitors are now putting final touches onto their stands and to assist them in that regard, the exhibition centre will be opened throughout the night (on Monday),” he said.
A total of 533 exhibitors are taking part in the fair, among them first comers such as the European Union.
To cater for increased demand, Moyo said the ZITF had to convert previously unused areas to exhibition sites to house some of the exhibitors.
He said the second edition of the Connect Africa Symposium will be held on April 27 under the theme “Unlocking Africa`s Potential: Innovation, Competitiveness and Sustainable Development.
“Over 300 delegates from across the region are expected to attend the event which will feature a keynote address by Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat Wamkele Mene and will be officially opened by Vice President Constatino Chiwenga,” he said.
New Ziana
