MAS preps on a low note

Midlands Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the 2016 Midlands Agricultural Show (MAS) have begun with a slow uptake of exhibition space being experienced, organisers have said.

Midlands Show Society (MSS) chairman Augustine Mupakurirwa said this year’s show, the country’s third largest after the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and Harare Agricultural Show, would run from July 28 to 31.

He said by this time last year 70 percent of stands had been taken up as compared to 50 percent this year.

“This time last year about 70 percent of the stands had been taken up and I should be quick to say that the uptake of stands this year has been slow. As it stands 50 percent of the stands have been taken up but I don’t foresee all the stands being taken up this year,” he said.

“Last year we had an uptake of 98 percent of the stands and this year we’re projecting about 90 percent of the stands to be taken up.

‘‘This is mainly due to the economic challenges being faced by the country.

“However, we’re still encouraging local and foreign exhibitors to come forth and we negotiate packages for them to exhibit.”

Mupakurirwa said six foreign exhibitors had taken up stands with the rest being locals.

Patron of MSS, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa will soon announce this year’s guest speaker and the theme of this year’s show will also be unveiled then.