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while the bulk of exhibitors are expected today ahead of the 53rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which roars into life tomorrow.
ZITF Company marketing and public relations manager Mrs Nomathemba Ndlovu yesterday said they were still compiling the total number of exhibitors who had confirmed but 98 percent of exhibition space had already been taken.
Mrs Ndlovu said China had the biggest delegation of 200 from 35 companies while the South African Deputy Minister of
Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, was expected in the country tomorrow with an additional nine exhibitors from her country.
“The little space that had been left is almost full now. On Tuesday we were at 95 percent and today we are at 98 percent. Stand building is complete and we expect all exhibitors tomorrow. International exhibitors from China, Indonesia, Malawi,
Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia are already here after arriving on Saturday,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
She said they expected a landmark exhibition this year as there was more creativity in terms of the actual construction of stands.
“Today there was a lot of activity as exhibitors were putting final touches to their stands. We had an overwhelming uptake of space this year and we expect a better show compared to other years. We banned the use of draping as we try to have a show in line with international exhibitions. What we have been doing every year was to allow draping which was scaring away exhibitors as it is not up to international standards.
“This year as you have seen there is more creativity in terms of the actual construction of the stands and we briefed contractors on the standards required prior to the start of construction work,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
A visit to the exhibition centre yesterday showed that there was a new look on the stands compared to previous years.
Most tarmacs have been resurfaced while many structures were also refurbished.
Mrs Ndlovu paid gratitude to ZITF Company sponsors who she said took it upon themselves to carry out the renovation work.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, the Zimbabwe National Road Authority who repaired all roads and Delta Beverages who repaired the tarmac around the Coke Fountain,” she said.
Local and international exhibitors were busy putting final touches to their stands, mostly cleaning while others were already setting up exhibits.
A representative on the South African stand who refused to be named said they had to extend their stand to accommodate the other group that is arriving today.
“We requested that the stand be adjusted because we have nine more companies coming today to add to the 23 we have so far. We are happy with progress so far and tomorrow we would have finished everything,” said the representative.
A Mr Desai, representing Nijays, a local cosmetics company which also exhibits on behalf of a South African company said they had finished but would start mounting exhibits today.
National Railways of Zimbabwe public relations manager Mr Fanuel Masikati who was at his company stand said the stand was almost ready.
“We are almost there and all we can say is we are promising our clients business as you can see our theme is ‘Investing locally, NRZ helping you reach globally,” he said.
ZimTrade regional manager, Mr Similo Nkala their stand was ready.
“We are just making the final touches and by tomorrow we will be through.
“This year promises to be bigger and better hence we are so excited and enthusiastic about the whole fair,” he said.
Telco sales and marketing officer Mr Zifiso Ndlovu said: “We exhibited last year but this year promises to be a better year considering the country’s economy has improved. Since last year some companies recorded commendable growth and we are looking forward to newer and better products and services being showcased,” he said.
A stand builder from Cape Town, Mr Phillip Lindely said, he has been working since Saturday and would be done by today.
The theme for this year’s ZITF is “Investing locally, reaping globally.” Zambian President Michael Sata will officially open it on Friday.
On Wednesday, there will be an International Business Conference 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.”
Reports are that 62 percent of loyal exhibitors returned this year, while first-time exhibitors accounted for 38 percent.
Other foreign exhibitors are from Pakistan, Botswana, Kenya, Brazil, Iran Italy, Poland and Germany.
Meanwhile, some Bulawayo residents yesterday said the gate charges for this year were too high. Children will pay $3 each per entry, while adults pay $5.
“The gate charges are too high; imagine I have four children which means I would need about $30 for the whole family. It does not make sense that we should use something like $80 for just trade fair expenses,” said Mr Fredsen Mubaiwa of Cowdray Park.
Some said the exorbitant fees meant that some children might be forced to forgo the excitement of trade fair this year.
Ms Gugulethu Mthunzi (34) from Magwegwe North who sells clothes at the Revenue Hall grounds said she was expecting a boom in business on Saturday when there would be an influx of people in the city.
Online Reporter