97% of ZITF exhibitors’ space taken
TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
More than 97% of space at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has been taken up so far, the ZITF Company board chairman, Busisa Moyo has said, amid increased interest in the fair.
Moyo also revealed that at least 533 exhibitors have so far confirmed their participation at this year’s trade showcase, which will run from April 25 to 29 under the theme, Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness.
“From a participation perspective, we are happy with the progress to date as we enter the final phase of preparations for the trade show. To date over 48,000 square metres, which is 97.2% of available exhibition space, has been sold. This compares favourably to the situation at the same time last year where uptake was at 43,100 square metres,” Moyo said.
He said the exhibitor numbers were 27% higher than last year’s 420.
It was also 13% higher than the booking situation at the same time last year (471 direct exhibitors), Moyo said.
Moyo said among the first-time exhibitors, include the Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.
“While in the past we have had individual countries from the EU participating (France, Germany and Italy), this will be the first participation by the mission itself,” he said.
He said the exhibitors’ numbers include 108 new exhibitors, indicating an 80% retention rate on traditional exhibiting organisations.
Moyo said 13 countries have confirmed their participation at the forthcoming trade showcase.
“To date, ZITF 2023 will feature 25 direct exhibits from 21 foreign nations, representing both nation participation and individual companies. This compares favourably to the 2022 edition where 16 direct exhibitors from 13 countries took part in the show.
“The countries represented are Angola, Belarus, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia,” he said.
