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Clive Makumbe Midlands Reporter
GWERU, the provincial capital of the Midlands, will roar into life next week as the province hosts the annual showcase, the Midlands Show.
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko will officially open the business event.
The 90th edition of the show will run from July 23 to 26 under the theme, “Youth Employment and Wealth Creation”.
Show Manager, Victoria Chikukwa, said there were 13 first time exhibitors that have confirmed their participation so far.
She said a number of exhibitors were still in the process of registering.
Chikukwa said the show management team and organising committee were excited to have VP Mphoko as guest of honour.
“So far 116 companies have registered and 13 would be exhibiting for the first time.
“New companies include Vaka Concrete and Ngoda Granite among others,’ she said.
Chikukwa said by this time last year more than 145 companies had registered and she was confident more companies will register in the coming few days.
“While we appreciate the coming in of new exhibitors, we’re saddened by the fact that there seems to be a decrease in the number of exhibitors,” she said.
Chikukwa said there was no closing date for registration since some companies tender in their applications very late. She said their aim was to ensure all willing companies get the chance to market their products.
Chikukwa said most of the exhibitors were from the Midlands province but the show has managed to attract exhibitors from other parts of the country.
Flea market stands cost $50 while open stands range from $450 to $730.
Enclosed stands cost $960.
Chikukwa said exhibitors were grouped in categories which include small-scale farmers, commercial farmers, small and medium enterprises, parastatals, commercial and non-commercial entities, among others.
The Midlands Show is an annual event which is the third largest exhibition after the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and the Harare Agricultural Show.
Online Reporter
Colletta Dube