ZITF kicks off with high hopes

Gibson Mhaka

OPTIMISM is high at the 64th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which kicked off today in Bulawayo.

By lunchtime, some exhibitors were still setting up their stands while others were already welcoming visitors. In separate interviews, exhibitors were confident of clinching new deals.

Malawian exhibitor Elizabeth Nkhwazi said they hoped to get new business.

“We are expecting to clinch new deals because people have already begun visiting our stand. We hope the fair provides us with those opportunities, and we are also expecting our sales to shoot up,” she said.

Another exhibitor in the Informational and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity, said they were expecting business to pick up as the premier trade show case progresses.

“While the first day might be slow, we are here to network and build partnerships for our products. This trade show is the perfect platform for that,” said the exhibitor.

The annual trade showcase roars into life today (Tuesday) and ends on Saturday. The first three days (April 23 to 25) are business days while April 26 and 27 are public days.

The trade showcase, which is running under the theme: “Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade” will be officially opened by Kenyan President, Dr. William Ruto.