ZITF 61st edition preparations underway

By Lerato Ndlovu

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 61st edition preparations are now underway with nine countries confirming their attendance.

The exhibition will be held both physically and online in accordance with National and World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 guidelines.

Addressing the media at a post cabinet press briefing Minister of Information, publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said the ZITF held in Bulawayo from the 20th to 23rd of July.

The fair will be officially opened on the 22nd of July by President Emerson Mnangangwa under the theme “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities.”

“The Minister of Industry and Commerce apprised 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 in accordance with National and World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 guidelines.”

“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” she said.

Mutsvangwa added that 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.

Some participants have already paid their registration fees for the International Business forum and 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)

“Pleasing to note is that 105 participants have registered to participate at the International Business Conference, with 52 having already paid.

“For the first time the Zim-Diplomats Forum will be hosted at the ZITF and led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) aiming at engaging locally-based foreign diplomats on Governments ongoing measures to facilitate investments.”

The ZITF 2021 exhibition dates are 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.