‘ZITF: opportunity for SMEs to shine’ Minister Sithembiso Nyoni
Minister Sithembiso Nyoni

Minister Sithembiso Nyoni

Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
SMALL to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Co-operative Development Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni says the 56th edition of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2015 is an opportunity for the growing SMEs sector to shine.The minister said this as she urged hundreds of players in the sector to position themselves for increased business deals ahead of the prestigious exhibition slated for April 28 to May 2.

This year’s showcase will run under the theme “Stimulating Trade, Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Growth”.

“This platform brings together business people from different countries. By participating, SMEs get the opportunity to interact with local and international business people. This gives them a platform to create business relations and even secure business deals to boost their businesses,” said Minister Nyoni.

“The exhibition will also increase the market base for SMEs. Besides business people, ordinary people also attend the fair. We want SMEs to showcase their products to a lot of people for them to make more sales.”

She said the SMEs sector has a huge potential for growth and her ministry had secured a stand with capacity to accommodate 20 SMEs at ZITF.

“We’ve the capacity to cater for 20 SMEs at our stand as a ministry. We select at least two SMEs from each province to join us at our stand. However, other  SMEs can participate in their own capacity,” said  Nyoni.

In line with the theme, this year’s trade fair is expected to offer a prime platform for networking and opportunities to propel economic growth.

Countries like German, India, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Poland and South Africa have confirmed their participation at the trade fair.

The ministry of SMEs has adopted a linkage programme for networking SMEs and big corporates aimed at increasing local trade and developing business skills.

At least $7 billion is estimated to be trapped outside the formal banking sector and most of it is thought to be held by SMEs.

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