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Mernat Mafirakurewa Business Editor
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair opened in Bulawayo yesterday with 19 foreign countries, including the United States of America – which returned after a long absence – taking part.The 55th edition of the business exhibition being held under the theme, “New Ideas to New Heights,” will be officially opened by President Robert Mugabe on Friday.

China underlined its appetite to invest in the country by taking up over 1,000 square metres of exhibition space – almost double the space it occupied last year when 16 countries took part.

Trade between China and Zimbabwe topped $1,1 billion last year, up from $300 million in 2003.

ZITF Company chairman Bekithemba Nkomo told a media briefing that as late as yesterday morning, bookings were still being received.

“ZITF started on a good note, although some exhibitors were still finalising their stands this morning,” said Nkomo.
“We’re confident that once again, the exhibition will be fruitful. There is so much enthusiasm from both exhibitors and business visitors.”

The slow uptake of space, observed the University of Science and Technology’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Felix Moyo, was largely due to a decision by the ZITF Company to move forward by a week the dates for the exhibition to almost coincide with a busy Easter holiday period.

“We had to work on Easter Monday to make it. It was tough on our staff, but we had to do it otherwise we wouldn’t have been ready,” Moyo said.

Notable countries taking part at the fair include China, Brazil, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Poland, Bangladesh, India and Nigeria.

Nkomo said this year’s exhibition had a healthy mix of organisations from careers, information communication technology, energy, training, manufacturing and engineering services.

China is the largest foreign exhibitor, having secured 1,061 square metres of exhibition space. South Africa, which is occupying 800 square metres, is the second largest exhibitor.

Yesterday, the ZITF said current figures were not immediately available, but three weeks ago, 44,000 of the available 51,000 square metres had been booked.

Turning to A’sambeni Africa Business Tourism Expo, Nkomo said the expo had attracted local and international participants displaying a mix of business tourism-related products and services.

“We also welcomed the arrival of an elite group of 20 regional meetings, incentives, conventions and event buyers yesterday, eager to sample and promote the best of Zimbabwean tourism,” said Nkomo.

“Their mandate is to source new markets, link local players with international clients as well as promote the country as a prime destination for meetings and conventions.”

He said more than 350 delegates were expected to attend the International Business Conference set for today, which will be addressed by Vice President Joice Mujuru.

The Zim-China investment conference slated for tomorrow is also expected to be fully subscribed.

In his welcome message, Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha said new business ideas and innovation were important for industry and commerce to achieve international competitiveness and effectively gain from international trade.

He said innovation was critical for industry to meet the demands of ever-changing consumer needs and wants.

“While the government has given policy direction through the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset), and the Industrial Development and National Trade Policies, industry and commerce should play part in implementing these policies,” he said.

Also running concurrently are specialised exhibitions — PakPrint and Scholastica.

ZITF paid tribute to sponsors that made the event possible including Chronicle, The Sunday Mail,     NetOne, Premier Medical Services Aid, TN Holdings, Ingwebu, Delta Corporation, Steward Bank and the National Economic Consultative Forum, among others.