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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
SMALL to medium enterprises (SMEs) that are exhibiting at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) that started on Tuesday in Bulawayo and ends today, have applauded the government for facilitating their participation.They said they were able to strike big business deals during the trade showcase.

About 20 small to medium enterprises are showcasing their products at ZITF under the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development.

In separate interviews at ZITF grounds, the directors of different SMEs expressed satisfaction with the trade fair outcome.

Tinashe Manyonga from Unique Innovations, a Harare-based firm that specialises in non-electric thermal retention bags, said their stand had received overwhelming response from the public.

“We’re exhibiting here for the second time and we’re really happy with the response that we’ve received from members of the public. People are impressed with our products and we’ve got many orders so far,” he said.

“I want to commend the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development for supporting our business and giving us exposure. The ministry facilitated our participation here and paid all the expenses. With the rate at which our business is growing, I’m certain that next year we won’t need financial support.”

Manyonga said the ministry was doing a good job in identifying opportunities for them and linking them with many exhibitions in and outside the country.

The director for Antonio Furnitures from Marondera, Everisto Antonio said he was certain that the ZITF would make their business grow tremendously.

“We’ve found a lot of new customers, both individuals and companies. We manufacture a wide range of furniture products, which are difficult to ignore. We were nominated to be part of the trade fair by our ministry and we’re here for the first time. I’m confident that the ZITF will take us to greater heights,” said Antonio.

Hlanganani Mabhena, a director from Nkayi Arts and Crafts commended the government for uplifting their business.

He, however, lamented lack of capital.

“Our ministry has really assisted us in uplifting our business. The ZITF has become a strong marketing platform for us to get more customers and learn more from other exhibitors,” said Mabhena.

SMEs, which are a major source of employment and generate significant domestic and export earnings, continue to face numerous problems that include inadequate financial resources, poor networks and unfavourable and restrictive regulations.

The development of the sector is at the heart of the government’s blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainanble Socio Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).