Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S engagement and re-engagement drive is bearing fruit as witnessed at the ongoing 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) where international exhibitors from various countries expressed eagerness to seal business deals, capitalising on the existing bilateral relations between their countries and the Government of Zimbabwe.
The presence of such a diverse array of international exhibitors opens new doors for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who stand to benefit significantly from increased exposure, the potential for forging valuable partnerships, and enhanced access to global value chains facilitated by this international participation.
Confirmed participating countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Austria, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the UK, US, UAE, Zambia and the EU Delegation.
The exhibition by the EU delegation, the UK and the US amplifies the Second Republic’s re-engagement and engagement drive.
In an interview, Mr Okun Yauheni from the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus said that their company Grodno Meat Processing Plant’s first-time exhibition was an opportunity for it to meet potential investors from Zimbabwe and discuss areas of cooperation.
“This is our first time participating at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, and we see it as an opportunity to engage with prospective Zimbabwean investors and explore mutually beneficial collaborations.
“We firmly believe that these interactions will not only benefit our company, Grodno Meat-packing Plant, but will also serve to further solidify the strong bilateral relations already established between Belarus and Zimbabwe.
“Grodno Meat-Processing Plant boasts a rich history spanning over 110 years in the meat production industry. Throughout this extensive period, we have accumulated considerable expertise and achieved numerous milestones. Our enduring commitment lies in upholding exceptional product quality and implementing rigorous sanitary and technological controls at every stage, from raw material sourcing to final product distribution.
“Through our presence at ZITF, we aim to effectively market our diverse range of high-quality meat products and secure valuable business deals, capitalising on the favourable diplomatic ties that exist between our two countries,” he said.
He said the close ties between the two countries were important components of the comprehensive strategic partnership with local companies at the ongoing ZITF.
Mr Reiner Rogate Sinaga from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, representing a company specialising in the manufacturing of skin care and body care products, said they had received significant interest from Zimbabwean companies and individuals expressing a desire for collaboration, and as a result, they were optimistic about striking promising business deals.
“Our goal in attending ZITF is to identify a market in Zimbabwe so that we can export our products from Indonesia to this country. We offer a wide range of high-quality skin care and body care products for adults, children, and babies, as well as various cosmetics and tooth care products.
“Having already exported to numerous countries worldwide, we are hopeful that our exhibition here at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair will make Zimbabwe our next key destination. This optimism stems from the many positive inquiries and the welcoming response we have received.
“Indeed, Zimbabwe is our next target market. This being our first time exhibiting at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, we are optimistic about securing lucrative deals from the companies and individuals who have shown significant interest in our products,” said Mr Sinaga.
The Second Secretary in charge of the economic section of the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe, Jun Yamazaki stated that their participation aimed to promote Japanese products, highlighting the concurrent timing with the Osaka Expo 2025, a collaborative business forum intended to foster trade and bilateral relations between Zimbabwean and Japanese stakeholders, mirroring ZITF’s role in deepening ties between the two nations.
“Our aim here is to promote Japanese products, and we are pleased that the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is running concurrently with the Osaka Expo 2025. The Osaka Expo is a collaborative event involving Osaka’s local government, the Japanese national government, numerous other nations, and businesses from both the domestic and international private sectors.
“Just as the Osaka Expo serves as a business forum to discuss trade and bilateral relations between Zimbabwean Government officials, private sector players, Japanese officials, and leading firms from Japan, ZITF here also provides a platform for Japanese entities to engage with their Zimbabwean counterparts to deepen the two countries’ bilateral relations,” she said.
“Here at ZITF, we have companies such as Fujifilm, a Japanese multinational conglomerate involved in healthcare, materials, and imaging, which has successfully diversified its business over the decades.
“In the healthcare segment, our aim is to respond to unmet medical needs, improve access to medical services, and detect diseases at an early stage by providing cutting-edge products and services worldwide. This approach is receiving a positive response from prospective business partners in Zimbabwe,” said Yamazaki.
Mr Isaac Morifi from the Schreder Company in Portugal stated that their participation aimed to cement their existing mutual relations with some mining companies in Zimbabwe and to secure new deals, capitalising on the established relationships between Portugal and Zimbabwe.
“We already have existing mutual relations with some mining companies in Zimbabwe, and we are expecting more new clients to approach us so that we can secure deals and establish new relationships. Furthermore, leveraging the bilateral business relationship between Portugal and Zimbabwe, we are already supplying our products to mining companies such as Zimplats and Unki Mine, and we are poised to clinch new deals with other mining companies,” Mr Morifi said.
ZITF Company board chairperson, Mr Busisa Moyo, described the 2025 edition as one of the most promising in the event’s 65-year history, stating that the unprecedented international interest highlights their pivotal role at the forefront and apex of economic diplomacy and re-engagement.
“Given the unprecedented international interest witnessed at this 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, we are curating various platforms to spotlight different sectors within our economy.
“This facilitates crucial re-engagement with foreign suppliers in these areas and allows us to showcase products with the potential to satisfy diverse regional and global markets. As such, this level of international participation firmly positions ZITF at the forefront and apex of economic diplomacy and re-engagement,” stated.
He adds: The Zimbabwe-India Dialogue, held at the Pavilion Lounge, was a successful event attended by over 10 high-level delegates from India representing FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry). These delegates engaged with their counterparts from Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries and other prominent business leaders and such high-level interactions directly contribute to Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement diplomacy by fostering crucial business-to-business connections, exploring potential collaborations, and strengthening economic ties with a significant global player like India”.
President Mnangagwa has publicly declared that Zimbabwe is open for business and has championed engagement and re-engagement as his foreign policy.
The President’s emphasis that Zimbabwe is an enemy to none and a friend to all has also seen formerly hostile states warming up to the Second Republic.
