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The 53rd edition of the ZITF, which will be officially opened by Zambian President Michael Sata starts from 24 to 28 April under the theme, “Investing Locally, Reaping Globally”.
Addressing the media in Bulawayo yesterday, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company marketing and public relations manager, Mrs Noma Ndlovu, who is also the assistant general manager of the trade fair firm, said preparations for the exhibition were now at an advanced stage.
“The exhibition is likely to be outstanding in terms of quality of exhibits, product mix and innovation by exhibitors.
“A considerable number of external sites have been taken as well, while the majority of pavilions will be occupied,” she said, adding that 48 535 square metres of exhibition space had been sold.
The total area booked is occupied by 468 direct exhibitors including 37 foreign exhibitors.
Mrs Ndlovu said the exhibition would see 62 percent of their loyal exhibitors returning while first time exhibitors accounted for 38 percent.
With regard to foreign participation, she said, the trade showcase would have representation from the European Union with small stands from Italy, Poland and Germany.
“In fact, Italy is returning after a long period of absence. Namibia, Pakistan, South Africa and China are also participating in a very big way. South Africa is occupying 400 square metres as they did last year while China is occupying 500 square metres representing 35 companies.
“Chinese participation over the years has usually been from local companies with Chinese interests. This is the largest participation ever from the People’s Republic of China.”
Other foreign nations participating at this year’s trade fair include Botswana, Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia, Iran, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
Brazil is participating for the first time led by the trade fair company’s recently appointed agent in that country.
Mrs Ndlovu said a local company has booked 600 square metres to showcase Brazilian agricultural equipment.
The major highlights of the exhibition will include the International Business Conference on 25 April where Vice President Joice Mujuru would be the guest speaker.
More than 200 delegates are expected to attend the business conference to run under the theme, “Investing Locally, Building Local Capacity and Reaping Dividends Globally: Turning A Rich Resource Base Into An Industrial Hub”.
International speakers at the business conference are expected from South Africa, Brazil and Zambia.
Speaking at the same occasion, ZITF Company general manager Mr Daniel Chigaru said the trade showcase created an opportunity for local and foreign companies to interact and create business synergies.
“The very nature of our ZITF provides a platform to companies to interact and create linkages,” he said.
He said despite hotel accommodation challenges facing Bulawayo, the ZITF Company would do all it can to ensure that the visitors were accommodated.
“Hotel accommodation situation in Bulawayo has not been easy. Right now hotels in the city are already fully booked. ZITF Company is doing what it can to ensure that it identifies suitable accommodation for visitors,” he said.
The trade fair company has identified a piece of land in the city to build an upmarket hotel as part of its efforts to lessen accommodation challenges in Bulawayo.
“We are also doing something in the background and when the time comes, we will let you know how we would have gone in developing that hotel,” said Mr Chigaru.
Online Reporter