THE 19th edition of the Mining, Engineering and Transport (MINE ENTRA) expo has attracted more foreign participants compared to last year highlighting increasing interest in the country’s mining and transport sector.
The exhibition running from July 23 to 25 in Bulawayo under the theme, ‘Innovation, Beneficiation and Growth’ comes at a time when the international community is eager to engage with the country.
Zimbabwe for more than a decade was shunned by Western countries after they had been arm-twisted by Britain and the United States.
But the move has been costly for countries such as Belgium that are being overtaken in diamond trade by nations that include India which have continued to deal with Zimbabwe and benefit from vast diamonds mined at the Marange Diamond fields.
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) company chairperson, Bekithemba Nkomo said foreign interest was this year high as six foreign nations have so far confirmed participation compared to three last year.
“International participation, either by a national or individual representation, includes: Belgium, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, People’s Republic of China, Germany, Nigeria-Belize Chamber of Commerce, and the Republic of South Africa,” said Nkomo.
Last year, only South Africa, United Kingdom and China participated.
Nkomo said international exhibitors will be showcasing chemicals, conveyors, drilling equipment, pumps, rubber, hoses and mineral processing equipment.
The ZITF, said Nkomo, has sold over 4 000 square metres of exhibition space, representing 91 percent of space already taken up.
He said this year’s exhibition has attracted a high calibre of local business visitors and executives from most of the country’s big mining houses.
The exhibition has also attracted small-scale miners including the Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Council and the Women in Mining and other mining groups that have traditionally supported the expo.
Nkomo said the three-day exhibition will focus on how innovative technologies and ideas can be used to beneficiate mineral resources to achieve national economic growth and prosperity.
“As part of our value-addition strategy, this year’s expo has a well-considered buyer-centric focus with strong emphasis on identifying new buyers and hosting quality buyers,” said Nkomo.
“Mine-Entra remains focused on its core business purpose which is to offer an ideal marketing forum to establish meaningful direct contacts with important decision makers and to showcase their latest products, technology and services applicable to the market.”
Nkomo said the exhibition, being sector-specific, will display products and services in heavy engineering, conveyors, rubber products, pumps, electrics and electronics, adding that ZIMRA will be on site to assist exhibitors with their importation requirements.
“The exhibition will also promote supporting sectors in order to provide a total solution to the industry,” he said.
“Some of the services on show include banking, security, insurance, customs, clearing, medical and chemical supplies.”
Nkomo said the building and construction equipment segment, only introduced last year, will also be a prominent feature as well as protective clothing and other safety products.
Some of the major highlights of exhibition include the MINE ENTRA 2014 and Joint Suppliers and Purchasers conferences organised by the ZITF company in conjunction with the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe.
The Mine Entra Conference which gives miners an opportunity to engage policy makers, will this year feature presentations and discussions on how current policy supports innovation, beneficiation and growth.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Walter Chidhakwa will officially open both the MINE ENTRA conference and the exhibition.
Other key speakers include the Deputy Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Mathius Tongofa and the Permanent Secretary for Energy and Power Development, Patrick Mbiriri.
The Joint Suppliers and Producers Conference which gives a discussion forum to the mines as well as downstream and upstream industries in the mining value chain will be officiated by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mike Bimha.   
Mine Entra is a specialised international exhibition which caters for the mutually compatible sectors of mining, engineering and transport and their associated industries.
Mid-year timing is for maximum convenience and corresponds to the industry’s main buying and tendering period.