ZITF: Grand opportunity for Bulawayo businesses
Bulawayo businesses should capitalise on the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which kicks off today to boost their businesses.
The ZITF Company said businesses should take advantage of the prime global showcase to market their products and services.
The five-day leading trade expo is running from 25 to 29 April in Bulawayo under the theme: ‘Transformative, Innovation, Global Competitiveness’.
The 63rd edition of ZITF will be officially opened by King Mswati III of the Royal Kingdom of Eswatini on Friday.
Business conferences will run concurrently with the trade expo to give local companies an opportunity to network and interact with their regional and international counterparts.
Speaking during a media briefing held in Bulawayo yesterday, ZITF Company chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo, said the hosting of the expo in the second largest city comes with many opportunities for local companies.
“Participation is very strong from our local companies as 21 percent of the exhibitors are from Bulawayo and we would like to see the figure growing,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the company was therefore calling on other companies yet to participate at the international trade expo to come on board and also benefit.
Mr Moyo said this year’s exhibition numbers were impressive as ZITF has attracted 533 players, which reflects a 30 percent increase from last year while 46 631 square metres of space have been sold, which covers 97 percent of the available space.
He said 25 direct exhibits are expected from 21 foreign nations, representing both national participation and individual companies.
In terms of local participation, Mr Moyo said 65 percent of the confirmed exhibitors were coming from Harare with representation from other cities around the country standing at 14 percent.
The ZITF is one of the largest intra-regional trade fairs south of the Sahara. It is an annual exhibition that offers exposure to both trade and public visitors hence the multi-sectorial, multi-national expo provides a convenient trade hub for the region.
Bulawayo is strategically positioned as it is at the crossroads of the regional trade and transportation routes. This week Bulawayo therefore plays host to representatives of international companies, local and international exhibitors, captains of industry and commerce, regional leaders, senior Government officials and diplomats among other important guests. –-the chronicle
