The Sunday News
Gabriel Masvora Business Editor
BEFORE officially opening this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade fair on Friday last week, President Mugabe toured a number of stands and talked to a number of exhibitors.
Sunday Business talked to some of the exhibitors who had the opportunity to interact with the President to find out what they discussed and what sort of impression they got from the brief encounters.
Kenya Ambassador to Zimbabwe Josephine V Awuor at the Kenya Export and Promotion Council Stand said:
“We benefited from this Trade Fair, especially the small scale business that we have been promoting. President Mugabe asked how we make our products and I told him these were made by women and as a country we were sponsoring the women to exhibit at such events to open up markets for them. Jokingly he asked so when are men going to be empowered. It was such a wonderful moment having a chat with him.”
Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat Marketing and Development Specialist Mr Zunaid Pochee had this to say:
“We basically told him about the importance of Zimbabwe making use of the Walvis Bay in Namibia. It is in the best interest of the country to make use of the port. We explained to him some of the benefits of using the port. He said he was very pleased and will ensure that more companies start using the port when exporting.”
Hose Manufactures (South Africa) technical sales Mr Julian Hendricks felt privileged to have met the President.
“Ooh it was a great privilege to come face to face with the man. He is so humble and down to earth. He is very jovial. We talked like we are at the same level. I explained some of the products we have and he instructed his Minister of Trade (and Commerce), to come and talk to us so that we can explore more business opportunities. We have great hope for this country and we plan to set up a branch in Zimbabwe and I think before the next exhibition which is Mine Entra we will have made some inroads.”
Produce Hall Chairman Mr Amos Chauke believed their exhibits made a mark on the head of State.
“He saw some of the products we are displaying here and he was very pleased and impressed. He showed a great passion for agriculture and encouraged us to continue working hard in the farms. We are happy as farmers because it shows we have support from our leaders.”
