Online Reporter
The Mining, Engineering and Transport exhibition, Mine Entra, kicked off in Bulawayo yesterday. The three-day expo which brings together industry leaders, investors, policy makers, equipment manufacturers and technology providers, is being held at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES).
The exhibition which has attracted a diverse range of local and foreign exhibitors, is being held under the theme “Unearth, Transform, Prosper: Anchoring Economic Transformation Through Mining Value Chains.”
More than 250 exhibitors are participating at the mining expo where 20 countries are represented. The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company’s marketing and corporate communications manager, Mr Thandolwenkosi Nkomo, said exhibitor response was very encouraging this year.
He said there was very strong participation from both local and international exhibitors. Mr Nkomo said this year’s programme has been expanded to include a series of high-level technical symposiums aimed at addressing key issues affecting the mining industry.
Today delegates will attend the flagship Mine Entra Conference where mining executives, financiers, investors, policymakers and technical experts are expected to deliberate on emerging industry trends, financing opportunities, technological innovation and strategies to strengthen competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Mine Entra has over the years been used as a platform to facilitate partnerships between mining companies, suppliers, financiers, technology providers and policymakers.
This year’s exhibition is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive investment destination for mining investors.
We want at this juncture to commend foreign exhibitors who continue to show confidence in Zimbabwe’s economy. It is our hope that both local and foreign exhibitors will be afforded an opportunity, not just to market their products and services, but to also break new ground and explore new markets.
We have said over the years that Mine Entra should be a platform to clinch major business deals. Zimbabwe’s mining companies need the support of international mining giants to expand their operations and this exhibition provides the opportunity to engage and partner these big companies.
Most foreign companies that are exhibiting at the fair want to do business with us and the challenge to Government is to create an enabling environment. It is therefore imperative for Government to continue implementing policies that make Zimbabwe an investment destination of choice.
The private sector should also work with the Government in identifying shortcomings that might frustrate investors so that they are addressed. Zimbabwe is endowed with several minerals including the mineral of the moment, lithium and boasts of highly skilled manpower which is sought after globally.
The mining companies should continue to invest more resources in mineral beneficiation and value addition so that the country derives maximum benefits from its mineral resources. It is time citizens enjoy more ‘made in Zimbabwe’ products from their natural resources
