adminChronicle Reporters
THE 2016 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is promising to be bigger and better than last year judging by the number of exhibitors and the quality of exhibits, organisers have said.
Chronicle Business yesterday conducted a snap survey of the local and international exhibitors from different sectors and observed notable improvements in some stands that visitors should not miss.
Creativity in terms of presentation and the actual exhibition were the hallmarks of what attracted many visitors who visited the below given stands.
South African stand
Housed in Hall 4, South Africa is a dominant and consistent foreign exhibitor with 32 companies drawn from diverse sectors showcasing different protects. These include mining, engineering and technology.
Definitely a must visit stand, South Africa attracts any visitor with its national colours – gold, green, red, black and blue – which distinguish its exhibitors in the entire hall. The equipment being showcased includes state- of-the-art technology mainly in the area of mining and engineering.
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust)
Apart from having one of the biggest stands in Hall 3 where it competes with sister tertiary and private institutions like the University of Zimbabwe and others, Nust’s stand lures visitors with its attractive blue and white colours, a warm receptive team and the diversity of its innovative exhibits. One of their highlights this year is the value addition of waste plastic into diesel.
Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC)
Enhancing the ease of doing business is at the core of the OPC’s focus at ZITF. The office has embraced the concept of a “one-stop shop” as it seeks to reform the investment climate in Zimbabwe. Its stand has experts drawn from different key departments to clarify investment processes, making it easy for an investor to set up business in Zimbabwe. A variety of information kits is available for visitors. The ease of doing business has long been an issue of concern to industrialists.
Econet Wireless
They have one of the biggest corporate stands with captivating displays and Hollywood style of lighting making a distinguishing feature that attracts visitors and fellow exhibitors from a distance. Their range of products is clearly shown with a friendly team ready to attend to any enquiries.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Ministry/Zimdef
With Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) being the most talked about subject in the country, the stand has been “stemitised” with attractive highlights of a virtual learning environment.
A number of people are lured to the stand by the colourful decoration and a STEM bus ready to be won during a competition on Thursday. Different television screens and IT gadgets are being used to show the roles of the ministry and the institutions under it. The stand is spacious to accommodate thousands of pupils who will definitely visit to know more about STEM.
Russian Federation Stand
The Russians are back with a bang after years of absence at ZITF. In line with its giant stature the Russian Federation has made giant displays that attract visitors from a distance with bold inscriptions of its name in Hall 1 that was previously dominated by China. Its ministry of industry leads the team as the country seeks investment ties with Zimbabwe, having already shown interest in key investment in mining and energy sectors.
The Zanu PF stand
Situated at Hall 5, the revolutionary party has gone out of its way to project its creativity and business minded thrust having brought nearly 100 small to medium exhibitors. An immaculate picture of President Mugabe and the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo greets every visitor on the entrance as a symbol of unity. The entire hall is decorated with pictures of revolutionaries namely Herbert Chitepo, Simon Muzenda, Joseph Msika, Mbuya Nehanda among others. Also several historical portraits chronicling the life of President during the liberation struggle tell the Zimbabwean story. The Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Museum in the stand is one not to be missed, with a detailed biography of the late Vice President and portraits, books and brochures chronicling the life history of the gallant son of the soil.
ZNA and ZRP stands
Integrity and perfection best summarise the visitors’ impressions at the Zimbabwe National Army and the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands. Typical of its movie-style moves, the army captivates visitors with its big screams beaming the rough military training, drills and marching and captivating displays of its unusual skills. A lot of exhibitors frequent this stand, especially the youth who seek more information about the army.
The police also make a serious impression first with its attractive colour displays and clearly articulated mission as well as the diversity of its duties in preserving peace and security.
Nyaradzo Funeral Services
The stand is beautiful and attractive with visual impressions of the company’s services. The feeling of comfort and trust to the customers is what drives Nyaradzo despite the fact that the company deals with the most difficult of human experiences, death. However, its officials declined interviews saying they had passed a resolution in Harare not to talk to the press
Alpha and Omega Dairy
The artistic designs at the company’s stand distinguish it from the rest in the category. Its replica plant explains all the production processes for the different dairy products it manufactures. The firm prides itself as an employment creator through innovative approaches. The outside appearance is colourfully designed and irresistible.
Online Reporter