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Oliver Kazunga Senior Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) began on a high note in Bulawayo yesterday with organisers expressing satisfaction with the quality of exhibits.
A total of 390 of the 401 direct exhibitors are participating.
Addressing a press briefing yesterday, ZITF Company chairman Bekithemba Nkomo said three of the 19 countries expected at this year’s event were yet to arrive.
“As of now we’ve 390 direct exhibitors that have arrived. Sixteen countries are already here (ZITF). As ZITF Company, we’re happy that the trade fair has started on a high note.
“We’re also happy with the quality of the exhibits and we’ve noted an improvement in the quality of the products they’re showing,” he said.
Nkomo said the remaining few exhibitors were expected to arrive by end of day yesterday.
Among the participating countries at this year’s trade fair are Botswana, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Germany, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Poland, Russia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
The ZITF Company said some exhibitors continued to book their stands at the last minute while others were also making adjustments to their requirements.
By yesterday afternoon a number of exhibitors were still busy mounting their exhibition stands.
As is the tradition, Nkomo said South Africa has acquired the biggest exhibition space with 32 companies showcasing an array of products at the national stand.
Nkomo said as per tradition a majority of the exhibitors, visitors and dignitaries have arrived for the show.
This year’s trade fair runs under the theme, “Innovate-Integrate-Industrialise”.
In line with the 2015 trade fair theme that focused on seizing opportunities to accelerate growth, the ZITF Company has said this year’s theme goes a step further to address the critical issues of innovation, industrialisation and regional integration.
In 2015, the trade showcase closed with a total of 387 direct exhibitors.
The event’s business days run up to tomorrow while Friday and Saturday are public days.
Today the major highlight will be the ZITF International Business Conference which will be officially opened by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa. In addition, today is dedicated to STEM initiatives and tomorrow, there will be a high schools’ debate on climate change.
Tomorrow morning there will also be the ZITF/Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries manufacturing forum. There will be a charity golf challenge at which the Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike Bimha will participate tomorrow while Togo President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé is expected to open the ZITF 2016 on Friday.
Online Reporter