THE ONGOING Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) exhibition gives local companies a platform to showcase the best of what Zimbabwe has to offer to the international community as well as a chance to look for profitable partnerships for struggling Bulawayo firms, a ZITF official has said.
Njabulo Ncube Deputy Editor
ZITF general manager Noma Ndlovu said in her bulletin yesterday the five-day business and trade jamboree would be fruitful, citing the participation at this year’s event by 19 countries and more than 300 exhibitors.
As she welcomed participants and delegates to the trade fair, Ndlovu noted that generally trade fairs serve as a stimulus for the growth of national industries and are a means of improving technological know-how and equipment as well as enhancing the country’s import/export activities.
Ndlovu said ZITF 2014, being held under the theme “New Ideas to New Heights” resonated with the government’s economic blueprint ZimAsset.
“ZITF 2014 offers local companies a platform to showcase the best of what Zimbabwe has to offer to the international community as well as an opportunity to look for profitable partnerships that will enhance the country to boost local industry, especially in Bulawayo,” she said.
“Undoubtedly, innovation is the main driver of economic growth around the world. The theme therefore captures the fact that the country’s progress is directly related to the rate at which we innovate. As the nation implements the economic blueprint Zim-Asset, innovation is key to us to exploit our natural resources and become internationally competitive.”
Ndlovu pointed out that ZITF, which will end on April 26, would go beyond just the display of goods and give more prominence to connecting like-minded business people.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The highlights this year include hosted buyers and targeted audience for participants, interaction and engagement and value added services.
According to the ZITF boss, 19 countries are represented at this year’s event compared to 16 last year.
She added that the ZITF, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary, was proud that the firm still remains one of the region’s leading international business-to-business exhibitions more than a century later.
“Our job as we project the future of the ZITF is to entrench its position while ensuring that the business platform remains dynamic and that it continuously evolves in line with participant expectations,” Ndlovu said.
