admin
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company chairman Mr Bekithemba Nkomo said this year’s exhibition was set to provide a platform for networking, exchange of ideas and deal-making as shown by the demand for exhibition space.
“To date, the exhibition looks likely to surpass the 1997 edition, where the company recorded the highest ever number of exhibitors and amount of space taken.
“That particular show was housed in Hall 3 and 4 with over 6 000 square metres of exhibition space.
“The exhibition is sitting at over 6 500 square metres of booked exhibition space, a 33 percent increase from last year’s figure of 4 913 square metres and 5 798 total space sold at Mine Entra,” he said at a Press conference.
Mr Nkomo said a total of 200 direct exhibitors had so far confirmed their participation against last year’s closing total of 209.
“Of this, 10 are foreign exhibitors, mainly from South Africa, occupying 100 square metres. A healthy mix of mining, engineering and transport products and services will be on show including heavy engineering, conveyors, rubber products, electrics and electronics as well as pumps and other equipment,” he said.
This year’s edition of the trade showcase will run from 25 to 27 July at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
“The official opening ceremony of Mine Entra 2012 will be held on 26 July. The guest of honour will be advised in due course,” he said.
While Mine Entra showcases building and construction equipment, services such as banking, security, insurance, customs clearing, medical and chemical supplies will also be prominent.
Major highlights of the showcase include the Mine Entra 2012 conference and Joint Suppliers and Purchasers conference.
“The Mine Entra conference, organised in conjunction with the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, will be held on 25 July under the theme, “Reveal Local Treasure, Strike Global Returns”.
Topics to be covered include the development of the mineral sector and its contribution to the economy, policy initiatives for competitiveness of the Zimbabwe mining sector, trade measures for mine development, trade capacity and constraints of the Zimbabwean supply sector as well as initiatives needed to grow the sector.”
Mr Nkomo said conference speakers would include the Chamber of Mines president Mr Winston Chitando and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe marketing manager Mrs Clara Kabade
The Joint Suppliers and Purchasers conference is slated for 26 July. During the event, presentations will focus on how industrial and trade policies support local procurement, the manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe with emphasis on how its challenges and solutions have implications on the mining sector.
Presenters will include TN Holdings group chief executive officer Mr Tawanda Nyambirai and Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe president Mr George Guvamatanga.
“Both conferences will add value to Mine Entra participants and give an opportunity to update all stakeholders on the state of the mining industry in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Online Reporter