MORE than 75 percent of the exhibition space has been booked at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) as preparations for the 56th edition gathers momentum.
The annual trade showcase runs from April 21 to 25 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo and will be held under the theme, ‘Stimulating Trade…Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Growth’.
The ZITF general manager Nomathemba Ndlovu said preparations for this year’s international showcase are in full swing.
“More than 75 percent of exhibition space has already been booked and this was the same trend last year,” she said.
“Interest from international participants is also encouraging as enquiries have come from as far afield as Europe and Asia.
“Our network of international sales agents continues to work with us to attract participants from more markets.
“Countries that have confirmed participation include Germany, India, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Poland and South Africa.”
Ndlovu said they expect the figure to increase as expressions of interest by other foreign countries are confirmed into actual bookings.
In line with the theme, this year’s trade fair is expected to offer a prime platform for networking and opportunities to propel economic growth.
Ndlovu said business visitors’ registration was now open and businesspeople are encouraged to register online for free entry on business days as well as to attend key events during the trade fair.
The ZITF general manager said stands were already being allocated on a first paid, first placed basis, within their various product groupings.
She encouraged exhibitors to confirm their booking early in order to take advantage of the early booking rates which expire on March 31.
Ndlovu said early booking allowed exhibitors to prepare adequately, do their pre-show marketing and avoid paying last minute rates to service providers.
To aid exhibitors in planning for their participation in the ZITF 2015, organisers last month held two Exhibitor Training Seminars, in Bulawayo and Harare.
The training programme focused on how to leverage participation to achieve maximum Return on Investment.
Topics covered included, ‘Achieving the Wow Factor, Sealing the Deal and Practical Aspects of Participation,’ among others.
According to the calendar, April 21 to 23 will be exclusive business days, while the expo will be opened to the public on April 24.
The ZITF 2015 will be officially opened by the recently elected Zambian President, Edgar Lungu.
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 21, 2015.
“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 Ndlovu.
Another key event includes the Bulawayo Agricultural Show, which will run from April 21 to 25.
“The following sector-specific exhibitions will also run parallel to ZITF 2015, A’sambeni Africa Business Tourism Expo, Scholastica and Ultim8 Home,” said Ndlovu.