The Sunday Mail
Debra Matabvu – Sunday Mail Reporter
THE number exhibitors at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grew 4 percent compared to 2014 with preparations well on course for the trade indaba’s Tuesday opening.
ZITF marketing and public relations manager Ms Stella Nkomo said: “The stage has been set for the beginning of the show . . . To date we have 419 confirmed direct exhibitors compared to the 396 that participated last year. We expect this figure to change slightly as last-minute bookings come in before the start of the show.
“International representation is strong, with 17 nations and 32 international organisations participating. Notably, Cyprus is making a maiden appearance at the show with the University of Nicosia taking part in the Scholastica Exhibition running concurrently with the ZITF.”
Other countries represented at the trade fair include Botswana, the People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Germany, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa, the United States and Zambia.
Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu will officially open this year’s trade fair.
Zanu-PF is making a splash at ZITF 2015 with director of economic affairs Cde Nyasha Mandeya saying: “The party formulates the country’s policies such as indigenisation and Government implements; so by participating in this event we are supporting Government policies on empowerment and indigenisation.”
Cde Mandeya said they were considering making annual appearances to help improve relations with various stakeholders.
This year’s annual International Business Conference is set for Wednesday and will run under the theme “Stimulating exports, seizing opportunities to accelerate growth under Zim-Asset”.
Vice-President Mnangagwa will officially open the conference.
