Published: 31 July 2017

BEITBRIDGE Town will host its inaugural business conference this week as part of efforts to promote investment in the border town and improve issues of corporate governance.

Beitbridge Business Link is co-ordinating the event, which will be held at Beitbridge Inn Hotel on August 4, 2017. Project coordinator, Mr Munyaradzi Musekiwa, said the conference will be held under the theme; "Exploring the possibilities" with a focus on bringing small business and big corporates together to share notes on a range of issues.

"Our main objective is to create a platform for businesses to share notes and also promote investment around Beitbridge," said Mr Musekiwa.

"We intend to cultivate the growth of businesses in line with the town's rapid growth and development.

"Further, the conference will cover various issues relating to starting up new businesses, financial management, marketing and sales, embracing technology and innovation.

"We believe we can achieve more if we work together towards creating businesses that dominate the marketplace with great impact."

Among key speakers would be representatives from Zimra, National Social Security Authority, Beitbridge council, local business association, Ministries of Industry and Commerce and Small to Medium Enterprises among others.

Mr Musekiwa said Beitbridge was one of the fastest growing towns in the country with a lot of investment opportunities in sectors such as property and land development, packaging, horticulture, manufacturing, freight and forwarding, education, art, waste recycling and hospitability.

"We have invited over 100 businesses including small to medium enterprises and big corporates.

"The response is very encouraging and we are expecting a full house," said Mr Musekiwa.

The border town serves as a gateway to east and southern African countries.

An average of 600 commercial trucks pass through the town daily going either side of the border, while 170 000 people use the same border per month.

Statistics from Zimra show that in 2016 alone, there was a total 76 839 northbound traffic at Beitbridge Border Post, with a monthly average of 6 403.
- chronicle