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ZITF: High expectations

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AS the countdown to the 56th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) gathers momentum, there are high expectations among all stakeholders that this year’s showcase will be a success.
The annual international trade show runs from April 28 to May 2 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo and will be held under the theme, “Stimulating Trade…Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Growth”.
In line with the theme, the trade fair is expected to offer a prime platform for networking and opportunities to propel economic growth.
“This year’s show has been packaged to ensure value for participants through quality of engagement by matching the exhibitor to their target visitors and vice versa,” said ZITF chairman Bekithemba Nkomo.
To date, 300 direct exhibitors have confirmed participation, an increase from the 283 that had registered by the same period last year. 
He said the response from the foreign market was impressive, as 20 direct foreign exhibitors had booked space to date compared with 13 same period last year.
“Close to 44 000 square metres of exhibition space has been taken up, representing 84 percent of available space compared to 83 percent last year,” Nkomo said.
The confirmed foreign exhibitors are coming from nations that include China, India, Iran, Germany, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa and the United States of America
“Other foreign nations which have expressed interest in participation are Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Ghana, Japan, Mauritius, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Zambia,” Nkomo added.
More so ZITF has engaged the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority to ensure that foreign companies exhibiting at this year’s Trade Fair will have no hassles in bringing their goods into the country.
Nkomo said they had engaged various stakeholders to ensure that exhibitors do not face delays in bringing their goods into the country.
Nkomo urged exhibitors to bring their goods early to avoid delays at the border.
“We also urge our exhibitors to bring their goods well in time before the exhibition gets going so that they can be cleared and if there are hassles there is still time to correct and change the situation,” said Nkomo
“We are approaching from all angles, that is, the angle of the exhibitors and as well as Zimra so that we facilitate the movement of both people and goods in good time.”
Nkomo said they were also in touch with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority to ensure there was an uninterrupted supply of power.
To aid exhibitors in planning for their participation the ZITF has since organised two Exhibitor Training Seminars, in Bulawayo and Harare.
The training programme focused on how to successfully leverage participation in order to achieve maximum Return on Investment.
A host of relevant topics covered issues such as, “Achieving the Wow Factor, Sealing the Deal and Practical Aspects of Participation,” among others.
The highlights of the five-day exhibition include the International Business Conference, the Ultimate Home Improvement Expo as well as Scholastica for the education sector.
According to the new calendar, April 28 to 30, will be exclusive business days while the expo will be opened to the public on May 1.
Highlights of the fair include the ZITF business conference, which will be held a day after the start of the exclusive business days on April 29.
“The ZITF International Business Conference will this year focus on how stimulating exports will provide opportunities to propel growth under Zimbabwe Agenda for Socio-Economic Transformation,” said Nkomo.
Zambian president Edgar Lungu is expected to officially open this year’s international fair.

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