Editorial Comment: ZITF: We can only do business with those who want

this brings as the international community — minus the usual suspects — comes to the party.
Statistics from the ZITF Company show that almost the entire exhibition space has been taken up with 167 foreign companies taking part. 
Among some of the biggest exhibitors are Chinese and South African companies whose presence speaks volumes of the potential     that exists for regional and international trade.
The presence of the South African Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, should be viewed in the context of forging stronger economic ties between Harare and Pretoria.
With 35 Chinese companies occupying 500 square metres of exhibition space, it is clear that they mean real business unlike in the past where local Chinese companies dominated. 
As China continues to be a dominant player in the Zimbabwe economy it is encouraging to note that the interaction is now spreading to real economic engagements creating room for sustainable partnerships.
This has been necessitated by the high level engagements between Harare and Beijing over the years.
Our country has been under an illegal economic sanctions regime for over a decade now and we can only do business with those that are prepared to take us as an equal partner. 
It is clear that British and American political interests are overriding economic interests and, as such, for as long as they maintain that stance we might as well do business with those that want to deal with us.
Other countries that have graced this year’s edition of the ZITF include Namibia, Pakistan, Brazil, Poland, Italy, Germany, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya, Indonesia, Iran and Malawi.
An international business conference was held alongside the trade showcase and such a forum should be utilised to discuss challenges and opportunities found in international trade. 
Speakers of international repute were able to share their experiences with locals on how they can overcome some of the inherent challenges faced. 
More than 200 delegates attended the business conference.
It goes without saying that a lot needs to be done to bring back the glory days when the City of Kings was the country’s industrial hub.
In line with this year’s theme, “Investing Locally Reaping Globally”, there is need for an introspective search on how we can redeem the second largest city in Zimbabwe from its gradual industrial demise.
While economic activity is heightened during the Trade Fair week in Bulawayo, there is need to increase the city’s preparedness to host an event of such international repute. 
It is acceptable that the event only comes once a year, but to seek to reap rewards in a greedy manner will not augur well for the hospitable people that we have been known to be. 
Let us treat our visitors as tourists who would like to return and enjoy our hospitality for years to come.
On the performance of industry in Bulawayo and indeed the country as a whole, we need to seek strategic partnerships that will help re-equip and recapitalise operations. 
The city is strategically located at the centre of Southern Africa and is at the crossroads of regional trade and transportation routes and is yearning for exploitation.
By attending the Trade Fair, these foreign companies have clearly seen that Zimbabwe has a lot to offer and what remains is match-making to ensure a win-win situation whereby both parties benefit. 
We graciously welcome Zambian President Michael Sata who will officially open the ZITF tomorrow with added optimism that the glory days are definitely back.