By Byron Mutingwende
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has expressed optimism on the prospects of a continued growth in the economy due to the high level of interest by local and foreign exhibitors at the 2018 edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Speaking at the ZITF on Saturday 28 April 2018, Sifelani Jabangwe, the CZI President highlighted that the quality of the exhibitions were world-class.
“The ZITF organisers must be congratulated for putting together such a grand show which will go a long way in promoting and furthering the new mantra that is being articulated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is open for business,” Jabangwe said.
There are exhibitors from different African countries such as Botswana, South Africa and Nigeria. Japan and Indonesia are some of the Asian giants exhibiting at the 2018 ZITF.
“The engagements that were held on the sidelines of the main fair were also quite useful. It led to the sharing of critical information among the various economic players. The National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) held a forum that was graced by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga where frank and open discussions were held on issues relating to the economy,” Jabangwe said.
The key outcome of the NECF meeting was the agreement by Vice President Chiwenga to meet with captains of industry together with other economic ministries for quarterly review meetings covering cross-cutting issues relating to the economy and to expedite the implementation of agreed interventions.
CZI also hosted the Original Equipment Manufacturers breakfast meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to assist companies that would like to retool their factories.
The presentations were meant to help members to identify types of machines, source markets as well as financing options for the machinery. Keynote presentations came from Dr. Mike Bimha, the minister of industry, commerce and enterprise development and Indonesia’s deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe as well as a representative of Dell South Korea who presented all the various products available from South Korea.
Jabangwe was optimistic that the quality of exhibitions at ZITF would promote a better brand for Zimbabwe as foreign exhibitors take back the good news that indeed Zimbabwe is open for business back to their countries. That would help drive foreign direct investment.
Givemore Chidzidzi, the Chief Operating Officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said the high quality of exhibitions at ZITF was an opportunity to market Zimbabwe to investors.
“The minister of tourism, Mrs Mupfumira together with our Chief Executive, Dr. Karikoga Kaseke were recently in China and are currently in Dubai where they are luring investors to invest in Zimbabwe. The good quality of the products at ZITF will surely project our country as a safe haven for investments,” Chidzidzi said.