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Senior Business Reporter
INTERNATIONAL interest in this year’s Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) exhibition is high as five foreign nations have so far confirmed participation compared to three countries that participated at the event last year. Mine Entra 2014 is set to provide an ideal marketing forum for mining, engineering and transport companies to showcase their latest products, technology and services applicable to the fast growing mining sector in Southern Africa.
The expo will run from July 23 to 25 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo under the theme, “Innovation, Beneficiation, Growth”.
The theme seeks to explore how innovative technologies and ideas can be used to beneficiate Zimbabwe’s mineral resources so as to achieve national economic growth and prosperity.
“The show has so far attracted over 100 exhibitors with 3,500 square metres of exhibition space booked. International interest is high as five foreign nations, represented by 21 companies, have so far confirmed participation. These are Belgium, Botswana, China, Germany and South Africa,” said the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company general manager, Noma Ndlovu, during a press conference yesterday.
She said exhibition space was still available adding that the ZITF Company encouraged exhibitors who have not yet taken up stands to do so before the early booking discount offer expires on June 30.
Being a sector-specific exhibition, Ndlovu said a mix of mining, engineering and transport products and services would be on display.
The exhibition will also promote supporting sectors in order to provide a total solution to the industry.
“Some of the services on show include banking, security, insurance, customs, clearing, medical and chemical supplies. Building and construction equipment exhibits introduced last year will also be a prominent feature as well as protective clothing and other safety products,” she said.
Small scale miners and representatives from Women in Mining have also shown interest in participating at the exhibition.
Mine Entra 2014 and Joint Suppliers and Purchasers Conferences are some of the highlights of the exhibition.
“The Mine Entra Conference organised in conjunction with the Chamber of Mines will be held on July 23 and focus will be on policy initiatives around mineral beneficiation and economic growth. The Joint Suppliers and Producers Conference is scheduled for July 24. Presentations will focus on manufacturing supply-side and local procurement issues,” said Ndlovu.
She added that the conferences would add value to Mine Entra participants and provide an opportunity to update stakeholders on the state of the mining industry in Zimbabwe.
The official opening ceremony of Mine Entra 2014 will be held on July 24 and the guest of honour is expected to be announced in due course.
Online Reporter