Story by Jonathan Marerwa in Beijing
EXHIBITORS and traders from Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular, have been urged to take part in expos, fairs and exhibitions that are held in China.
Zimbabwean exhibitor, Ngugi Vere, made the call while speaking on the sidelines of the Diplomatic Residence Compound, DRC, World Mart – the Sixth World Family Day held at the Jianwai DRC this Sunday.
Vere, who has been exhibiting at various events in China for the past three months, said the Chinese market is very responsive to African products adding that trade between China and Africa is improving on a daily basis.
He said it is unfortunate that most people in Africa are unaware that the Chinese people are very interested in goods from Africa, be they art, sculptures, or clothes.
Vere, who was the only African exhibiting at the mart, urged African business people to take advantage of the cordial relationship existing between China and Africa to create synergies and attend marts, expos, fairs and markets so as to promote and clinch business deals.
He noted that there are some misconceptions about the travelling costs, accommodation and food in China but dismissed all these saying, it is easy to get a visa to China and also once in China, transport and accommodation costs are very affordable.
He added that the payment methods for goods and services in China are also very reliable and easily accessible.
Vere, who revealed that he has attended various expos, exhibitions and fairs in China, said the African continent can tap from the Chinese meticulous way of organising and running such events.
Meanwhile, Vere has bemoaned the lack of enthusiasm and aggressiveness from African business people, saying it is high time they stand up and be counted in the global business world.
