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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

SEVERAL exhibitors at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) have started working on their pavilions in readiness for the prime trade exhibition in Bulawayo with officials indicating the need to have a contemporary convention centre to cater for huge numbers of participants.

The annual trade showcase roars into life next week on Tuesday and ends on Saturday.

The first three days (April 23 to 25) are business days while April 26 and 27 are public days.

Running under the theme, “Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade”, the fair will be officially opened by Kenyan President, Dr William Ruto.

The ZITF is a key platform for trade and investment in Zimbabwe offering opportunities for local and international businesses to connect and explore partnerships.

According to ZITF, this year’s theme recognises that Zimbabwe boasts a vibrant and growing innovation scene largely because of Government initiatives as espoused in the guiding Vision 2030 whose focus is on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, equitable development and prosperity for all.

When the Chronicle news crew visited the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) last week, there was a hive of activity at various pavilions.

In an interview, ZITF chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele said the response from exhibitors has been tremendous.

He said many exhibitors have started working on their stands ahead of the start of the trade expo.

“Exhibitors are working on their stands in preparation for the show. We have also seen the need to introduce a huge marquee to accommodate the overflow. That again is an indication that we have been growing as a company.

“Our desire eventually is to have a modern contemporary convention centre that is going to accommodate the numbers that we seem to be attracting,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a recent update, ZITF said the uptake by exhibitors has been quite pleasing with about 517 exhibitors occupying 98 percent, which is 48 881 square meters of the set aside 49  499 square meter space.

The update notes that all exhibition halls and individual pavilions are now full.

ZITF also said international participation is very strong.

“To date, we have confirmed exhibits from 27 countries and these are: Botswana, Belarus, Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Kingdom of Eswatini, European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia. This compares favourably with last year’s closing total of 21 countries,” said ZITF. – @SikhulekelaniM1