EU exhibits at ZITF For The First Time

Bulawayo (New Ziana)- Preparations for this year’s 63rd edition of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are now at an advanced stage with the major highlight being the European Union (EU) exhibiting as a block for the first time.

ZITF chairperson Busisa Moyo said this on Tuesday while updating media on progress regarding preparations for the multisectoral trade showcase.

The ZITF is held annually at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, and this year it will run under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.”

The show will run from April 25 to 29, with first three days reserved for business.

“Participation is much higher this year. We have 180 new exhibitors who will be exhibiting for the very first-time, indicating an 80 percent retention rate on traditional exhibiting organisations,” Moyo said.

“Notable among the first exhibitors who will participate this year is a delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe. Whilst in the past, we had individual countries from EU participating for example France, Germany and Italy, this time around this will be the first participation by the mission itself,” he added.

“In addition to certain individuals and displays on trade opportunities, the block will also have exhibitions of various programmes that it is running together with the Republic of Zimbabwe.”

Moyo said the coming of the EU block could also be a product of re-engagement efforts by the government.

“As you know, ZITF plays a role in economic diplomacy and creating platforms where we can have conversations that are to do with business. This year, we are talking about global competitiveness, and we can learn and share,” he said.

He also said this year’s edition will feature 25 direct exhibitors from 21 foreign nations represented by national participation and individuals.

The countries include Angola, Belarus, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates(AUE), United State of America and Tanzania.

In terms of local participation, Moyo said 65 percent of confirmed exhibitors are coming from Harare, while Bulawayo based companies account for 21 percent, and the remainder from across the country.

Moyo said to date 48 000 square meters which converts to 97 percent of the available exhibition space had been taken up by exhibitors.

“This compares favourably to the situation at the same time last year where uptake was 43 100 square metres. In terms of exhibitors’ numbers, we are currently sitting at 533 direct exhibitors which is 27 percent higher than last year,” he said.

He said the multi-sectoral trade showcase will be a meeting and learning platform for industry players to accelerate their growth and innovation with impact.

He said this year`s theme is particularly befitting as it touches on the core elements of the country`s national vision (Vision 2030) and the current medium term plan National Development Strategy (NDS1).

“The theme also puts ZITF as epicentre of the fortifying local and regional enterprise and ecosystems to be able to compete on the global stage,” said Moyo.

The chairperson also highlighted that Bulawayo Agricultural Show will also run alongside the main exhibition showcasing livestock as well as small grains.

New Ziana