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The trade fair starts at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo from 24 to 28 April under the theme, “Investing Locally, Reaping Globally”.
In a telephone interview, Prof Ncube said Government preparations for the international exhibition were going on well.
“We have managed to handle preparations for the trade fair vey well. The preparations are very good and we are satisfied with the progress achieved so far. President of Zambia (Michael Sata) will officially open the ZITF,” he said.
ZITF Company chairman Mr Bekithemba Nkomo has said 85 percent of the 54 540 square metres of the available space had been taken up as local and foreign exhibitors showed keenness to participate at this year’s trade showcase.
Last year, 51 362 square metres were taken up by 834 exhibitors and visited by 145 000 trade and public attendees.
Prof Ncube said Government was optimistic that by the time the forthcoming exhibition begins, it would have reached its historical peak.
“It is our hope that by the time ZITF starts it would have reached its historical record in the region. We hope it will be bigger and better than the last three years as the country continues to restore positive economic growth,” he said.
So far foreign participation either as a national exhibitor or as an individual included countries such as Botswana, China, Iran, Poland, Malawi, Mozambique, and
Namibia as well as business associations such as the department of Trade and Industry of South Africa, the India Trade and Promotion Organisation, the International School of South Africa and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Confirmations are also expected from Brazil, Pakistan and Kenya.
The ZITF Company has said the overall stand-booking situation for this year was impressive as the trade fair 2012 sales compared favourably with previous editions.
This year the trade fair focuses on sectors such as equipment and expertise for health sectors and agricultural development, machinery and supplies or infrastructural development, value addition, equipment in mining, manufacturing and tourism sectors, technology for Information Communication Technology development, consultancy services and products for the education sectors as well as energy and water provision.
Due to calls from businesses to increase the number of business days, the ZITF Company has increased the number of business days from two to three.
Against this background, 24 to 26 April are dedicated traders’ days that will also see a one-day International Business Conference, which is the major highlight of the international expo being held on 25 April.
The conference, at which Vice President Joice Mujuru will be the guest of honour, will run under the theme, “Investing Locally, Building Local Capacity and Reaping Dividends Globally: Turning a Rich Resource-Base into an industrial hub”.
Other key presentations would be delivered by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Prof Ncube, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr John Mushayavanhu, Africa Development Bank chief economist and vice president Dr Mthuli Ncube, Afro-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce director for international and institutional affairs Mr Carlos Cerqueira, PTA Bank director for trade and finance Mr George Mudange and the European Union head of delegation in Zimbabwe Ambassador Aldo
Dell’Ariccia.
Online Reporter