ZITF satisfied with participation
TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) says it is satisfied with the participation of local and foreign exhibitors at this year’s event despite the economic challenges and the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ZITF board chairman, Busisa Moyo commended exhibitors for complying with Covid-19 protocols.
He said more than 370 companies exhibited at the ZITF this year.
“It is quite pleasing that despite the economic challenges due to Covid 19 pandemic the overall participation by companies was impressive with both domestic and foreign exhibitors having stolen the show.
“We want to commend all participants for their compliance in Covid-19 protocols and from the tests that were conducted not a single positive case was reported,” Moyo said.
He added: “About 373 companies exhibited at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair were direct exhibitors. We had other indirect exhibitors who were people that were sharing stands.
“Quite a commendable result given the circumstances that we find ourselves in, it took a lot of courage for the businesses to come and showcase their products.”
Industry and Commerce minister Sekai Nzenza said the country’s premier exhibition was part of the revival of Bulawayo industries.
“It was a hub of activity. One of the strategic mandates of my ministry is to focus on local production, utilising the natural resources that we have in this country and ensuring that there is quality and maintenance of standards,” Nzenza said.
She added: “Ultimately, the aim is to create jobs and also that the products that are produced not only meet standards but are safe and not harmful to the consumer.”
The participation in the fair was also representative of all economic sectors that include manufacturing, mining, tourism, education, ICT, and agriculture.
This year’s exhibition attracted a total of 11 foreign nations among them Botswana, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Mauritius, South Africa, Indonesia, and Namibia.
Nzenza said the bulk of the foreign participants were from Sadc countries while some of the countries that traditionally come to the annual trade showcase did not do so this year on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.
