No plans for ZITF Company to list on ZSE, Ndebele

THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company cannot list on the stock exchange as it is a non-profit entity with international flair to market the country to promote trade and investment, an official has said.

In an interview with Business Weekly yesterday, ZITF Company chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, said taking into account that his organisation is not for profit-making, hence there is no reason to list on any of the bourses.

“We are not for profit really but an agency of the Government. We can’t list on the stock exchange because when you list on a stock exchange like the ZSE (Zimbabwe Stock Exchange) ultimately you want to make profit.

“But ourselves as ZITF Company we are a non-profit making entity with an international flair to market the country in different sectors like industry, trade and investment,” he said.

The trade fair company was founded in 1986 as a non-profit, limited liability private firm.

Its vision is to be the world’s first choice in offering innovative opportunities for social and business interaction.

“We are 50 percent owned by the Government and the other 50 percent is owned by the private sector that includes Bulawayo City Council, ZNCC (Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce) and Bulawayo Agricultural Society,” said Dr Ndebele.

The ZITF Company is the leading international exhibition organiser in the country hosting annual events such as the ZITF, the Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) expo.

Meanwhile, this year’s ZITF which is traditionally held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo is scheduled for April 23 to 27.

The event will be held under the theme, “Entrepreneurship: The Catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade.”.

The ZITF will be held concurrently with the Africa Business Tourism Expo, Zimbabwe Premier Packaging and Print Industry Exhibition, Premier Home Improvement Expo and Education Career and Training Incorporation Professional Training and Consultancy.

The trade fair serves as a crucial platform for businesses of all sizes locally and internationally to showcase their products and services, network with potential partners and clients, and explore new markets.

This leads to improved trade opportunities and foreign direct investment in Zimbabwe.

ZITF attracts exhibitors and visitors from across the region and beyond, creating a vibrant marketplace for regional and international trade.

Such exposure helps Zimbabwean businesses connect with potential partners and customers from diverse markets, expanding their reach and potential.

The show also covers a wide range of industries, from agriculture and manufacturing to mining, tourism and technology.

This ensures that businesses from various sectors can benefit from the opportunities offered by the fair, contributing to a more diversified and resilient economy.-ebusinessweekly