The Sunday News
THE increase in the number of foreign countries exhibiting at this year’s mining, engineering and transport expo, Mine Entra to be held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo is an indication of investor confidence in the country, an official has said.
Five foreign nations, represented by 21 companies, have confirmed their participation at this year’s exhibition which will run from 23 to 25 July under the theme: “Innovation, Beneficiation, Growth”.
The countries are Belgium, Botswana, China, Germany and South Africa.
Last year only a few companies from China, UK and South Africa exhibited.
“Prior to last year’s edition of Mine Entra, foreign participation was mostly coming from South Africa. Last year we had representation from China and the United Kingdom.
“It is encouraging that this year South African companies have booked stands as well as companies from Belgium, Botswana, China and Germany. It’s a clear indication that investors are showing confidence in this country,” said the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company general manager, Mrs Nomathemba Ndlovu.
Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small Scale for Sustainable Mining Council president, Mr Wellington Takavarasha, said a number of investors were keen on Zimbabwe’s extractive industry.
“As one of the major stakeholders in the mining sector we are quite happy about the increase in the number of countries exhibiting this year. It puts the country on the world map in terms of investment opportunities and shows that the country has a conducive environment for investment. Zimbabwe has a vast number of minerals which one can exploit,” he said.
He said the exhibition should also be used as a platform to promote value addition and beneficiation of minerals as outlined in the country’s economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.
Mrs Ndlovu said this year’s theme was meant to show that the ZITF Company was embracing the country’s blueprint towards ensuring economic growth.
“As one of the country’s leading trade promotion organisations, we play a significant role in the country’s economic development. The Zim Asset is very topical and we realise there is still a need for more dialogue around the blueprint so that each sector of the economy can contribute to its successful implementation.
“The ZITF and Mine Entra conferences, workshops and discussion fora bring relevant stakeholders together and we use these to provide platforms for issues to be interrogated so that effective steps can be taken to accelerate the country’s economic growth . . .,” she said.
The ZITF general manager urged prospective exhibitors to take advantage of the early booking rates that expire at the end of June.
“For our business visitors and buyers, online registration is open for entry into the exhibition centre and to the conferences. In addition, they can download the Mine Entra 2014 mobile app, which will be available for download at the end of June 2014 in order for them to pre-schedule their meetings and get updates on the latest exhibition-related information,” Mrs Ndlovu said.
