Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, says the local authority took advantage of the just-ended 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to aggressively market the abundant investment opportunities in the second largest city.
As the city mayor, he said the expo enabled him to proactively engage with visiting delegations, highlighting the diverse and lucrative investment opportunities that Bulawayo has to offer. Clr Coltart said he also courted the Mozambican delegation led by President Daniel Chapo, who officially opened the premier exhibition, seeking potential investment partnerships.
Contrary to reports that he did not attend the official opening ceremony of the ZITF, Clr Coltart said he was awarded the opportunity to engage with President Chapo by President Mnangagwa, who introduced him to the Mozambican leader.
“I did attend the opening ceremony. I was not present when my wife arrived because I was at the Presidential luncheon,” he wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
“At the end of the luncheon, the start of which was delayed for an hour, I left the luncheon and went straight to the trade fair arena and was seated with my wife and the Town Clerk before both Presidents arrived.
“When my wife arrived earlier, neither of the Presidents nor any of the other VIPs had arrived. She never arrived ‘in front of the two Presidents’
“I was then given the opportunity to explain to President Chapo in detail about the wonders, history, tourist attractions, and opportunities of the City of Bulawayo. I expressed to him my hope that he would be able to come back to Bulawayo to experience some of its wonders,” said Clr Coltart.
He said while it was his intention to be part of the mayoral convoy it was impossible for him to do so due to a delay of the start of the Presidential luncheon.
“It was important for the city that I attend the Presidential luncheon. As things turned out, it became impossible for me to be both in the mayoral convoy and attend the Presidential luncheon,” he said.
