Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’S engagement and re-engagement drive is bearing fruit, with more regional and global countries confirming participation at the 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) set for Bulawayo next month.
A meeting which brought together the diplomatic community and organisers of the ZITF created a platform to assess the annual exhibition agenda, with foreign countries confirming participation, a development credited to the Second Republic’s drive to restore normal ties with several global economies.
“The United Kingdom is definitely taking part in the ZITF 2025, this is entirely towards further enhancing our cooperation riding on a steadfast rebound in trade,” British Embassy’s Head of Trade and Investment, Mr Stuart Oxenford said.
“For the past few years trade with Zimbabwe has been improving and this needs to be enhanced, hence the need by British industry and commerce to boost ties by showcasing their products and services. Remember the UK is among the top importers of horticulture produce from Zimbabwe. Our presence will enable Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to broaden their scope of business by identifying products on demand and focusing on what is needed to boost exports to the United Kingdom.”
“Botswana is a neighbouring country to Zimbabwe to such an extent that the two economies have strong bilateral ties that have to be strengthened,” Botswana’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Mrs Sarah Sithabile Molosiwa said.
“Taking a closer analysis of this year’s ZITF, it is imperative to note that more companies from Botswana will be coming to take part, riding on several agreements that have been sealed by the two governments on social and economic development. It is therefore vital that the creates the opportunity to even take stock of the current trade and investment deals, and further offer relevant solutions promised on scaling up cooperation and overall business and industrialisation initiatives in line with the SADC principles towards an industrialised region.”
“Several companies have also shown interest in taking part in trade and business activities so indeed Japan will take part at this year’s ZITF,” Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Shinichi Yamanaka said.
“There are also other features in terms of social and cultural activities that will be showcased as we intend to deepen our bilateral trade and economic cooperation with Zimbabwe, so, in a nutshell the ZITF forms a strategic component for us to further broaden the market base and boost our industrial performance or relations with Zimbabwe.”
The ZITF is also upbeat about growth prospects this year.
“The key focus areas for ZITF 2025 include agriculture value-added chains, construction and infrastructure developments, education and human capital development, financial services, innovation and information and communication technologies, mining, and manufacturing among others,” ZITF Chairperson, Mr Busisa Moyo said.
“All these serve as opportunities for the diplomatic community to help Zimbabwe attract investors from their respective nations. A move that is vital in ensuring sustainable growth of firms through joint ventures as well as strategic partnerships. Basically, the exhibitors stand to benefit in terms of access to markets, engagements with top business executives, gaining insights into global and regional developments among many other benefits.”
Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring ZITF 2025 is a success.
