WATCH: Exhibitors gear up for 66th ZITF as trade showcase kicks off

AHEAD of the start of the country’s premier trade showcase at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre on Monday, exhibitors are putting final touches to their exhibition stands, setting the stage for what is expected to be a vibrant business week.

A Zimpapers news crew observed a hive of activity at the venue, with companies and organisations busy assembling displays and engaging early visitors.

Speaking at their stand, ZANU PF Politburo member Cde Elifasi Mashava said the party’s participation is aimed at giving the public insight into its structures and operations.

“We are here to show how the party works, particularly the role of the First Secretary, who is also the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, together with his deputies in both party and Government, secretary general Advocate Jacob Mudenda, chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and all its 21 departments,” he said.

“We want people to understand that the party is supreme to Government as it deploys officials to implement party resolutions.”

Cde Mashava added that the party’s stand will feature a historical exhibition highlighting the period when President Mnangagwa was incarcerated.

“I can tell you that a lot of visitors to our stand will leave the place emotional, it’s very touching,” he said.

Meanwhile, local exhibitor Advance Fire Engineers managing director Mr Lovemore Ndebele said his company was eager to engage both existing and prospective clients.

“To us, this is an opportunity to interact with our clients. Even before the official start, we have already had potential customers coming through to understand our services. It’s going to be an exciting week,” he said.

The 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), running under the theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” will take place from April 20 to 25.

The annual showcase remains one of the largest multi-sectoral trade exhibitions in Sub-Saharan Africa, attracting exhibitors, investors and business delegates from across the region and beyond.

Stakeholders say beyond the exhibitions, the focus should be on tangible outcomes such as export deals, joint ventures and investment partnerships that contribute to industrial growth, foreign currency generation and overall economic development.