adminSukulwenkosi Dube Business Correspondent
ORGANISERS of the Plumtree, Bulilima and Mangwe Business Expo have invited companies from all towns to participate in the two-day event slated for next week. Coordinating committee chairperson, Ikanyeng Godzi, said the exhibition would run from September 19 to 20 covering nine categories. “We’ve sent invitations to different companies to participate in our expo. In the past the exhibition was mainly for local companies situated within the town but this time around we have widened the scope,” he said.
“The invitation has been extended to national level. We need exhibitors that will showcase their products and services in categories that comprise manufacturing, agriculture, arts and craft, commerce, local authorities, government departments and parastatals, NGOs, tourism and hospitality and mining sectors,” he said.
Gotsi said the expo was organised by the three local authorities and the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises and Corporative Development to help improve the economy in the two districts.
“We’ve realised that as small communities we need mentoring in various sectors in order to realise significant growth and development. The three local authorities are trying to venture into sectors like tourism but they lack necessary information and know how in this regard,” he said.
“At least interacting with other companies and organisations will promote partnerships and linkages that will enhance local businesses. The expo will also help us prepare for upcoming investment.”
Gotsi said the exhibition would be a platform for businesses to engage each other, launch new products, network and discover new ideas and markets trends.
Bulilima and Mangwe business development officer Ladslas Gurajena said several exhibitors have confirmed their participation.
“Several exhibitors both local and regional have confirmed so far and we expect more to turn up by next week. This expo will present the SMEs with an opportunity of discovering more markets.
“This sector is not doing very well in this part of the town. They’re not very much exposed because of the size of the town, which affects their operations,” said Gurajena.
He said the town was failing to benefit from the economic activities taking place at the border.
“Plumtree is a border town but at the same time it’s a transit town. We’ve a number of people from various places travelling across the border but the problem is that most of them pass by.
“They hardly stop over to access services from the town. Another challenge is that we’re close to Bulawayo, which is a big city and some travellers prefer to access services from there,” said Gurajena.
The business expo will run under the theme “Unity for Sustainable Economic Transformation”.
Online Reporter