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“The 54th exhibition, which will run under the theme, ‘Building Value, Enhancing Growth,’ is a call for businesses to optimise value-addition in order to maximise profits and tap into the wealth of Zimbabwe’s resource base,” ZITF chairman Mr Bekithemba Nkomo said at the launch on Thursday night.
He said they expected improved exhibitor and visitor turnout as well as full participation by its leaseholders in order to grow the fair.
Next year’s event will be held from 23 to 27 April and 23 to 25 April have been set aside as business days.
Mr Nkomo said 2 026 square metres of the exhibition space had already been booked compared to 1 413 square metres during the same period last year.
He said 42 percent of the space taken up had been allocated to foreign exhibitors.
More than 60 000 square metres of exhibition space would be available this year.
The marketing campaign for the forthcoming trade showcase is entwined with that of its concurrent expos — A’sambeni Africa Tourism and Travel Fair, Pakprint, Scholastica and Ultimate Home.
Mr Nkomo said marketing of the fair has started locally, regionally and internationally with agents in countries such as Brazil, China, South Africa, Pakistan and Germany being active.
“Positive results are expected from all of them. Our South African agent is also sourcing exhibitors in Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia. South Africa has already booked. They increased their stand from 400 square metres this year to 700 square metres.
“Our traditional foreign leaseholders have also confirmed their participation. They include Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique,” he said, adding that enquiries for Scholastica from India and Russia had been received, although still under negotiation.
Speaking at the same occasion, ZITF deputy general manager Mrs Noma Ndlovu urged potential exhibitors to make use of her organisation’s service providers association.
She said this would eliminate unscrupulous businesses that were fleecing unsuspecting exhibitors by claiming to be ZITF Company service providers.
Highlights of the five-day exhibition include business matchmaking sessions, the International Business Conference and the official opening ceremony.
The Bulawayo Agricultural Show will feature livestock displays and competitions, agricultural produce, home industries and equestrian events.
ZITF 2013 will feature product groups that include machinery and expertise for infrastructure development, manufacturing ideas, automation and supplies for agro-processing.
Online Reporter