16 countries to participate at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

Published: 10 June 2013

SIXTEEN countries will participate at this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair with Ghana coming in as a new entrant.

The trade fair runs from 23 to 27 April at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre under the theme, "Building Value, Enhancing Growth".

Briefing journalists in Bulawayo on Wednesday, ZITF Company chairman Mr Bekithemba Nkomo said Tanzania, which had not been exhibiting at the trade fair for sometime, was among the countries participating at the trade showcase this year.

"There will be 16 foreign nations represented by direct or indirect exhibitors at this year's trade fair. Ghana is coming as a new entrant while Tanzania which has not been there for a while now will be there. Last year we closed at 14 nations in total," he said.

Mr Nkomo said Iran which was one of the countries that participated at the 2012 ZITF would not be showcasing this year.

South Africa, China, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Egypt and Malawi were some of the countries to showcase their products at the trade fair.

Ninety-five percent of the exhibition space has already been taken up so far with the ZITF Company looking forward to selling the remaining five percent.

He said 49 000 square metres, occupied by 465 direct exhibitors had been sold.

"The product mix ranges from chemicals, pharmaceuticals, clothing, textiles, computer informatics, office equipment, audio visual equipment, hi-tech….and heavy engineering equipment," said Mr Nkomo.

He said most of their exhibitors, visitors and dignitaries were expected this week adding that the ZITF Company had entered into a strategic partnership with a local safari company to provide alternative accommodation.

"While accommodation is usually a challenge, our strategic partner, Eco Logical Safaris is assisting participants to secure alternative accommodation. The daily morning and evening Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and Bulawayo will certainly ease the pressure," he said.

The city has in the past experienced accommodation challenges during the ZITF period.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is on record saying Bulawayo's hospitality industry has about 460 rooms, which fall far short to accommodate visitors during the trade fair and other exhibitions.
- TC

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