Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have had no direct link to reduced exhibition space taken up by South Africa at the on-going Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), officials have said.
BY NQOBILE BHEBHE
The 56th edition of ZITF kicked off today under the theme “Simulating Trade: Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate growth”.
ZITF Company chairperson Bekithemba Nkomo told journalists during a Press briefing that they had not picked up any information linking xenophobic attacks to lower space uptake.
“We have not picked up anything along those lines, but as the media, you are likely to pick up more information and we would be happy to receive it and act accordingly. We have had no information release to date.
“In terms of space taken up, we are yet to ascertain and that would be addressed tomorrow (Wednesday),” Nkomo said.
Last year, South Africa increased exhibition space uptake by 800m² from 700m² in 2013.
South Africa is Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner. Thousands of Zimbabweans flock into that country every day in search of economic salvation.
