ZITF kicks off
TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), kicked off Tuesday in Bulawayo with 532 exhibitors confirming their participation at the premier business expo.
This year’s edition, held under the theme, “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness” will be officially opened on Friday by Eswatini King Mswati III.
Addressing journalists, ZITF Company board chairperson Busisa Moyo (pictured) said:” In less than 24 hours, Zimbabwe opens its doors to the world as industry leaders, policymakers, innovators as well as both local and global manufacturers and businesses. They will assemble to explore growth opportunities, uncover the latest business incentives and trends as well as network and collaborate with relevant contacts vested in the multiplicity of sectors represented here.”
Moyo said the exhibitors number has increased by 30%.
“The next 5 days will be a culmination of a multi-stakeholder engagement strategy whose response has exceeded even our own expectations and targets. A close to 30% increase in exhibitor number is commendable.Current figures have us sitting at 533 exhibitors and 46,631 sqm of sold exhibition space, which converts 97% of available exhibition space.This compares favourably to last year’s closing total of space occupied which was 45,786 square metres,”he said.
He said 21 countries have confirmed their participation. The countries represented are Angola, Belarus, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia.
“The international response to our call has also been pleasing with 25 direct exhibits expected 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.
“In terms of local participation, 65% of the confirmed exhibitors are coming from Harare while Bulawayo-based companies account for 21%. Representation from other cities around the country is currently 14%, ” he said.
