By Tatenda Mujeyi
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (News of The South) – The country’s second largest exhibition show, ZITF is scheduled for 20-23 July with over 90% of exhibition space taken up and new exiting programs on the cards as announced in cabinet this week.
“The Minister of Industry and Commerce appraised Cabinet on the status of preparations for the hosting of the 61st Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which is scheduled to be held in Bulawayo from the 20 to the 23 of July, 2021.” Chairperson of Post Cabinet briefs Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said.
This year’s event seeks to explore the emerging changes in business, post COVID challenges aswell as opportunities for business and will be held under WHO COVID 19 regulations.
“Running under the theme “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities”, the Fair will be held in accordance with National and World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 guidelines. The major thrust is on finding innovative and sustainable business models to ensure continuity during and after the pandemic.” The Minister said.
ZITF 2021 akes a new format owing to COVID 19, commencing on the 20th of July and ending on the 22nd with the major change being the reduction of public days to one.
“The ZITF 2021 exhibition diary is as follows:-20 — 22 July, 2021: Business Days;21 July, 2021 International Business Conference;22 July, 2021, Official Opening Ceremony;23 July, 2021 ZITF Charity Golf Challenge; and 23 July, 2021 Public Day.” Mutsvangwa highlighted.
Around 90% of the of the booking space has been taken up with over 50 new exhibitors eager to trade and 9 countries having confirmed participation.
“As at 20 May 2021, 46 309 square metres out of 49 877 square metres exhibition space available for booking had been taken up. Three hundred and ninety five (395) companies have expressed interest to exhibit at ZITF 2021, ninety-four (94) of which are leaseholders and 52 are new exhibitors. A total of nine (9) countries have confirmed their participation at the Fair, while engagements with other nations are ongoing.” The Post Cabinet brief chairperson said.
The trade fair opportunes suitors a wide trading platform across most industries with equal opportunities to meet individual trading needs.
“The exhibitor profile is varied, with a range of products and services including the following: agricultural implements and equipment; automotive products; building and construction; clothing and textile; food product manufacturing and processing; tourism business products and services; information communication technology; pharmaceuticals and chemicals; and mining equipment.” Minister Mutsvangwa also said.
The Bulawayo based trade fair has already recorded positives and new highs respectively as 105 participants have already confirmed attendance and the inaugural Zim-Diplomats Forum hosted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Partners.
“Pleasing to note is that 105 participants have registered to participate at the International Business Conference, with 52 having already paid. The Zim-Diplomats Forum will be hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and is aimed at engaging locally-based foreign diplomats on Governments ongoing measures to facilitate investment.” She also said.
The ZITF is the second largest exhibition show in Zimbabwe after the Harare Agricultural Show opportunity global companies to showcase thier products with the adjustments only necessitated by COVID 19.
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