Sixteen countries are set to participate in this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair showcase in Bulawayo, with the trade showcase fully subscribed.
The fair, which is celebrating its 60th annivesary this year, will run from April 23 to April 27.
The international exhibition this year is running under the theme “Propagating Industrial growth through Trade and Investment.
Speaking at a press conference, Monday, ahead of the start of the trade showcase ZITF chairperson Ruth Ncube said all is in order.
Ncube said all space reserved for direct exhibitors has been taken up, resulting in an additional space being availed.
Ncube said participation figures for the exhibition are quite pleasing compared to last year’s.
“Our targeted 2019 available space was taken up at 100%.Further to that we availed 5% additional space to accommodate the overflow. This there are 532 direct local exhibitors have booked as compared to yesteryear’s 491,” said Ncube.
She said majority of exhibitors arrived over the Easter holiday and are now putting final touches to their stands.
Ncube said there are a number of business meetings scheduled during the course of the 5 day exhibition event which will allow business people to interact.
“Young innovators from local universities and innovation hubs will be awarded an opportunity to present their inventions to a panel of judges consisting of researchers, business practitioners and financiers who have the power and influence to turn business potential to reality.”
Ncube said in terms of the geographical mix, 55% of confirmed local exhibitors are from Harare, 25% are from Bulawayo, 15% from other towns and 5% are foreign.
Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni will officially open the fair on Friday.
