Foreign exhibitors eager to seal deals at ZITF

FOREIGN exhibitors have expressed their eagerness to seal business deals at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025, one of Africa’s premier trade showcases.

ZITF 2025 commenced in Bulawayo yesterday, running under the theme ‘‘Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape’’.

In an interview, Mr Hazmi Laksono from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia said they were bringing five companies keen on striking business deals in Zimbabwe.

‘‘These companies are also exhibiting their products. We are here to do business and promote trade between Indonesia and Zimbabwe. We have companies involved in herbal medicine, tyre production, bath soaps, bio-fertilisers, among others. We are expecting to find trade partners and those to whom we can supply our products,’’ he said.

He noted that as developing nations, Indonesia and Zimbabwe had a number of opportunities to capitalise on from each other.

Mr Mashudu Ramudzuli from South Africa’s Limpopo Tourism Agency said the trade showcase was a great platform to engage various stakeholders, displaying what they had on offer.

‘‘South Africa and Zimbabwe share borders, divided by the Limpopo River. The river divides three countries with shared tourism attractions accessible to people. We are looking forward to networking and engaging to see how best we can collaborate to promote tourism in South Africa and Zimbabwe,’’ he said.

Ms Justine Ikumiru, Head of Chancery at the Kenyan Embassy, said they were looking forward to engagement and collaborations in sectors such as education, agriculture, tourism and ICT, among others.

‘‘We are very excited to come to ZITF 2025. It provides us with a platform to meet the right people, both from Government and the private sector, people who are interested in doing business with us. These can be engagements between governments or between companies. This is one of the platforms to connect Kenya and Zimbabwe,’’ she said.

Comesa trade officer, Ms Bonakele Ndzinisa, noted that Zimbabwe, as a founding member, has actively contributed to various Comesa initiatives.

She said Comesa was present to disseminate trade information aimed at increasing commerce among member states.

She emphasised the importance of engaging the private sector, as many businesses lack comprehensive information about the trading bloc.

‘‘Zimbabwe is performing well and actively participating in Comesa trade activities,’’ said Ms Ndzinisa.

Belarus has also brought several companies to exhibit under the Belarus Pavilion, with Belarus State University keen to attract Zimbabwean students interested in studying at their institution.

Uganda Investment Authority representative Mr Simon Ngabo echoed similar sentiments.

‘‘We are also looking forward to interacting with ZIDA; we expect this to benefit both countries,’’ said Mr Ngabo.

Meanwhile, in an interview yesterday, ZITF Company Board chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo, said this year’s event promised to be a resounding success.

‘‘We have all our exhibitors and guests here who have started exhibiting, despite the day being a holiday. Some are putting the final touches to their exhibition stands,’’ he said.

He noted that the exhibitors had come in large numbers, with over 600 present, and most exhibitions aligned with this year’s trade showcase’s theme: ‘‘Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape’’.

An impressive 596 exhibitors are participating this year, with 45 direct international exhibitors from 28 countries represented, an encouraging rise from last year’s 27.

This year, confirmed participating countries include Afghanistan, Angola, Austria, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, the UK, US, UAE, Zambia and the EU Delegation.

The presence of such a diverse array of international exhibitors opens new doors for SMEs, who benefit from exposure, partnerships, and access to global value chains. The fair also spurs job creation, with dozens of young people seen outside the exhibition park yesterday seeking employment opportunities.

ZITF 2025 serves as a platform that facilitates connections and collaborations among local and international delegates and exhibitors, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, education, financial services, ICT, infrastructure, printing, publishing, renovation, and tourism. Together, these industries can uncover new opportunities and foster sustainable economic advancement.-herald