admin
Africa Moyo
Deputy News Editor
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 61st edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on Thursday next week.
Only invited people are expected to attend the official opening ceremony to contain numbers in the wake of Covid-19, which continues to rear its ugly head, although numbers for new cases are declining.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is expected to deliver the keynote address at the ZITF International Business Conference scheduled for September 22.
Already, 396 local exhibitors, as well as international exhibitors from 11 countries have confirmed participation.
International exhibitors are from Malawi, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Nigeria, Indonesia, South Africa, Belarus, Kenya, Mauritius and the DRC.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday confirmed the developments while addressing the post-Cabinet briefing in Harare.
She said Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza presented to Cabinet on the state of preparedness for hosting the ZITF, which will run under the theme, “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities”.
The premier trade fair will run for four days from September 21 to 24, with the first three days scheduled as business days.
Minister Mutsvangwa said President Mnangagwa “will officially open the Fair on 23 September, 2021, and attendance will be strictly by invitation to manage numbers”.
The Zim-Diplomats Forum is slated for September 23 and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the function aims at engaging locally-based foreign diplomats on the ongoing measures by Government to facilitate investment. September 24 will be a public day, but unlike other years, no children will be allowed entry.
The third edition of the ZITF Innovators’ Forum will be held on September 21 to 22.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Forum will target innovators drawn from Innovation Hubs of the local universities, and will present students with an opportunity to showcase.
“Given that the Fair is being held during Covid-19 times, the nation is advised that an elaborate Covid-19 Risk Management Plan has been produced and circulated to all exhibitors.
“There will be heightened health and safety protocols, modified venue layouts, digital and hybrid meeting platforms and emphasis on numbers management,” she said.
Addressing a Press conference in Bulawayo yesterday, ZITF Company board chair Mr Busisa Moyo said children under 18 have been barred to avoid mishaps.
“We think adults will self-manage better than children and so we want avoid any mishaps with children under the age of 18,” he said.
“The pandemic has not only disrupted life as we know it, but has also upended international economic development. We are at a very critical point in dealing with both the pandemic and its long-term effects, therefore, it is crucial to host the show at this point in time, in an attempt to bring normalcy and stability to business, industry and the national economy.
“Going forward, international trade and strategic business transactions will be essential to the economic recovery and development of Zimbabwe and its allies.”
Online Reporter