Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
LOCAL companies and entrepreneurs are already experiencing economic benefits ahead of the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), scheduled to take place next week in Bulawayo.
As the countdown to the highly anticipated event continues, individuals with vocational skills have begun securing contracts and generating income through preparatory work commissioned by participating businesses.
As the ZITF continues to evolve into a dynamic business ecosystem rather than just a trade showcase, 47-year-old Mark Ncube is among the locals who are already benefiting from the economic opportunities it presents.
“The preparations for the ZITF are progressing well, and some of us who do vocational jobs are one of the first people to reap economic gains brought by the upcoming trade fair,” Ncube said.
From the groundsmen, painters, tilers and stand designers, everyone is reaping the economic benefits that come with being the host city of the upcoming international trade showcase.
“We are trying our best to make sure everything is in order ahead of the showcase. We are also happy because we tend to make more money during this period as most companies engage us for stand designs.”
This year’s international trade showcase is set to run from April 21 to April 26 under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.”
