ZITF ends bigger, better

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter

THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) ended yesterday in Bulawayo, with stakeholders noting that the country’s flagship trade showcase was not only successful but also bigger and better as Government re-engagement efforts are paying off.

They also urged businesses to make use of opportunities presented by the trade showcase. The 63rd edition of the ZITF ran under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness” and it saw thousands of people thronging the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) main arena to witness the official opening of the expo on Friday.

This year the trade fair was officially opened by Eswatini King Mswati III who applauded Zimbabwe’s economic growth trajectory saying when one country prospers the region benefits. President Mnangagwa together with King Mswati III toured various exhibition stands before the official opening, with the Head of State noting that the quality of this year’s exhibitions was of high quality.

He said his Government’s foreign policy was yielding positive results as evidenced by the increase in foreign exhibitors. Foreign exhibits increased by a remarkable 30 percent compared to last year which is confirmation that the Second Republic’s re-engagement and economic diplomacy drive is positioning the country well in global markets.

Foreign countries that were represented this year included Angola, Belarus, China, Kenya, Japan, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Tanzania, UK, USA and Zambia. Also represented were Botswana, United Arab Emirates and at the European Union pavilion there was France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.

Sideline events were also held alongside the ZITF which included the ZITF Innovators Forum, ZITF Golf Challenge, Diplomats Forum, CZI/ZITF Manufacturers Breakfast Meeting and the ZNCC Business Luncheon.

Among the high-level events were the ZITF International Business Conference and the Connect Africa Symposium which were both officially opened by Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga.

In an interview yesterday as the ZITF was wrapping up, Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary, Dr Mavis Sibanda said ZITF 2023 was a success.

“The 63rd edition of the ZITF has been very successful. It has been the best trade showcase I have seen since I became the Permanent Secretary as well as since the coming in of the Second Republic. The exhibitions by the exhibitors were of international standards and with innovation and technology being showcased.

This year the displays were very wonderful. There was also great participation of the youth who are coming up with very good innovations. A good example is that of the Econet stand where there were very interesting showcases of innovations and technology.”

In terms of awards that were given to the most innovative, creative and enterprising companies that showcased their products at the trade expo, Econet dominated the local exhibitors and the European Union bagged the best foreign exhibitor award.

The Permanent Secretary said of the five days, the first three days of ZITF were of intensive and high-level engagements through the conferences and symposiums, where various deliberations were done as well as providing platforms dedicated to conferring and sharing solutions to the vast social and economic challenges faced by Africans. She said the two public days saw hundreds coming in to tour stands and engage in various family-oriented events.

In terms of foreign exhibitors, Dr Sibanda said: “Zimbabwe has made another major engagement and re-engagement breakthrough with the Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe exhibiting at this year’s trade fair. The EU member states have in the past participated at the ZITF as individual countries and this is the first time that they are exhibiting as a block.”

She said the foreign exhibitors who included the United States of America, United Kingdom, Japan and Belarus among others, amplified Zimbabwe’s position of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.

The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, commended the people in the city for coming out in their numbers and ensuring that the country’s flagship trade event becomes a success.

“We witnessed that the people of Bulawayo came out in their numbers to support this wonderful trade showcase which was a success. They showed much respect to the visitors who were in the city that came from other cities, the region and international community.”

She said the trade expo also brought business to the city with various sectors benefiting for providing various products and services. National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in terms of security, the ZITF progressed very well.

“We have not heard any major reports, from Monday when companies were putting final touches at their exhibition stands up to today (Saturday), we have not heard of any major reports. All in all, we want to thank the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabweans for the peace and security which has been shown throughout the 63rd edition of the ZITF 2023.”