Zimpapers Logo

Business Reporter
ABOUT 84 percent of space at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has been taken up as preparations for the prestigious annual trade showcase gather momentum.

ZITF Company chairman Bekithemba Nkomo told a press conference in Bulawayo yesterday that the recent change in initial dates for the fair would not compromise the quality of the exhibitions.

“We had to move the exhibition from the original dates of 21 to 25 April and the exhibition will now run from 28 of April to May 2. This has unfortunately been due to circumstances that are beyond our control,” said Nkomo.

“But we’re pleased to say that of all our stakeholders that we’ve spoken to thus far, there hasn’t been any adverse reaction to it. . . we’re hoping that there will be no compromise on the quality of the trade fair.

“We’ve sold close to 44,000 square metres of the exhibition space representing 84 percent of available space.”

The 2015 trade fair would run under the theme, “Stimulating Trade . . . Seizing opportunities to accelerate growth” and has so far attracted 300 direct exhibitors compared to 283 during the same time last year.

Nkomo said the response from the foreign market has been pleasing with 20 direct foreign exhibitors having booked space to date.

“Again, this compares well with the 13 foreign exhibitors who had booked by this time last year. The confirmed foreign exhibitors will be come from the following 12 nations: China, India, Iran, Germany, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa and the United States of America,” said Nkomo.

He said others such as Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Congo-Brazaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana have expressed interest in participating.

This year’s showcase would run concurrently with the sector-specific expos such as Asambeni Africa Business Tourism Expo, Scholastica, Ultm8 Home and Pakprint 2015.

Highlights of the five day exhibition include the international business conference on April 29, which is organised in partnerships with the National Economic Consultative Forum and other partners.

Zambia President Edgar Lungu will officially open the trade fair on May 1.