Story by Mercy Bofu
CALLS for investors to grab opportunities in the agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors, dominated proceedings during the first day of the Masvingo Business Expo this Thursday.
Nearly 200 exhibitors are showcasing various products at the expo being held under the theme, “Investment Hub towards Vision 2030”.
Exhibitors who spoke ZBC News welcomed the event as a platform for networking and identifying investment opportunities in the province.
One said, “We are excited as companies to be exhibiting our products at this Expo as it allows us at the local level to interact as the business community and identify investment opportunities in our province.”
“We got an opportunity to present our products to different stakeholders who are exhibiting here and we are happy that some have shown interest hence it’s a plus for us,” said another exhibitor.
Business is keen on utilising such opportunities for growth.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Masvingo chairperson Mr Andrew Chekani said, “Many times as an industry we do not have information on investment opportunities hence such platforms are important for us. Here we are saying despite some challenges the operating environment is conducive, let us come together, partner and explore the available opportunities to grow our businesses.”
The expo is set to be an annual event given consistent support from the industry.
“We are excited about the turnout by the exhibitors, they came in their numbers, and some are still coming including big corporates. We are expecting more than 200 exhibitors to showcase their products here,” said Masvingo Business Expo chairperson and Director of Economics in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Masvingo, Mr Clever Chingwara.
The approval of the Tugwi Mukosi Masterplan added value to Masvingo province’s potential to attract investment in the tourism and agriculture value chains, with the government targeting to develop 70 000 hectares of land under irrigation.
