Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE coming in of 21 foreign exhibitors to showcase at this year’s 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair has been attributed to the success of the engagement and re-engagement policy driven by the Second Republic.
In an interview with ZBC News in Bulawayo this Friday, ZITF chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele said the European Union will be exhibiting as a block for the first time, with the United States of America returning at the trade showcase.
“We have seen a tremendous growth from last year when we had 13 nations, this year we have 21. We are still counting and we are sure by Tuesday we would have more numbers. The major key light this year is the size of the show. It is going to be different and better. Among the 120 new exhibitors, 10 are foreign nations,” he said.
Concurrent events at the trade showcase such as the Connect Africa are set to avail the business community an opportunity to tap into the African export market.
The scale of the show is huge and the uptake of con current events is strong. These include the International Business Forum and the Connect Africa Symposium which will be graced by the secretary general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).The coming of delegates demonstrates that the greement does not want to leave anyone out and this will offer captains of industry the opportunity to discuss issues around the agreement. This is a great platform for exporters to utilise,” he added.
Over 200 diplomats are expected to grace the third edition of the Diplomats Forum which is held in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will run under the theme: “Crafting a Global Landscape of Resilience and Innovation: Strategies for International Competitiveness.”
The ZITF will run from April 25 to 29, 2023 under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness”.
