Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) company has again postponed this year’s exhibition edition in line with Covid-19 level four national lockdown prevention protocols.
The biggest trade show case in Southern Africa was expected to run between August 23 and 25.
This is the third time for ZITF to be postponed as it was initially supposed to be held in May. It was moved to between July 20 and 23 but was rescheduled following an upsurge in Covid-19 cases.
It will now run from September 21 to 24.
ZITF management last week had tightened Covid-19 prevention measures by stating that a Covid-19 PCR test taken up to 48 hours before being presented will be a prerequisite for exhibitors.
A total of 408 direct exhibitors had confirmed participation in this year’s event and these include representatives from Belarus, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Indonesia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
In a statement yesterday, ZITF board chairman Mr Busisa Moyo said Covid-19 prevention protocols have necessitated the postponement of the trade show case.
“Following the extension of the national level four lockdown announced by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa last week, the ZITF Company, Board and Management wishes to officially advise exhibitors, service providers, registered buyers, business visitors and other stakeholders of the decision to postpone the 2021 edition of the ZITF to 21-24 September 2021,” said Mr Moyo.
“The decision to postpone the fair was reached with the approval of the Government of Zimbabwe and after consultation with a wide cross-section of stakeholders.”
He said national level four lockdown restricts the movement of people hence could have a bearing on the successful hosting of ZITF.
Mr Moyo said exhibitors should utilise the extension time to adequately prepare for this year’s event.
“With the continued ban of intercity travel, it has been difficult for out-of-town exhibitors to effectively plan their participation and bring in their exhibits, particularly for those without Bulawayo offices.
“Consequently, postponing the tradeshow to September provides exhibitors with more time to adequately prepare for their participation without contravening national lockdown regulations,” said Mr Moyo.
“Navigating the business landscape in these turbulent times has required an unprecedented level of agility and resilience across the board.
“We therefore wish to take this opportunity to commend our various stakeholders for their continued patience and forbearance in these continually evolving circumstances while simultaneously apologising unreservedly for any inconvenience caused by the postponement.”
He said Covid-19 should not be an excuse for exhibitors to showcase below standard exhibitions.
“In the meantime, we urge all our participants to take advantage of this extended planning horizon and continue to prepare for their participation to ensure that the show is of the same excellent standard, which ZITF has been traditionally known for,” he said.
Mr Moyo said the ZITF company remains committed to the safety of stakeholders ahead of this year’s event.
“To that end, we have shared the ZITF 2021 Safety and Risk Management Participant Guidelines that outline the rigorous measures, which will be in effect at the show.
“We will continue to keep our stakeholders informed of any new developments.
“We therefore continue to lend our voices to calls for the public to observe the prescribed health and safety protocols, particularly to: mask up!
(Covering nose and mouth), sanitise/handwash, physical distance and get vaccinated,” said Mr Moyo. — @nqotshili
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