Tadiwa Musiyiwa
The 61st edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is set for September 21 to 24 with attendance strictly by invitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging Zimbabwe and the world at large.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday evening, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Trade Fair will be running under the theme; “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities”.
The ZITF is scheduled to run for four days with the first three days focusing on business
President Mnangagwa will officially open the trade fair on September 23.
Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Constatino Chiwenga will deliver the keynote address at the International Business Conference on September 22 according to the schedule.
The third edition of the ZITF Innovators’ Forum will be held on September 21 and 22.
“The Forum will target innovators drawn from Innovation Hubs of the local universities, and will present students with an opportunity to showcase their innovations to address real life challenges” she said.
The Zim-Diplomats Forum will be on September 23 September and will be hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the final day of the fair, September 24, will be a public day and children will not be allowed into the show.
The function aims to engage locally-based foreign diplomats on the ongoing measures by government to facilitate investment.
Minister Mutsvangwa said 396 local exhibitors, as well as international exhibitors from eleven countries have already confirmed participation at the fair.
International exhibitors are expected from Malawi, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Nigeria, Indonesia, South Africa, Belarus, Kenya, Mauritius, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Given that the Fair is being held during COVID-19 times, the nation is advised that an elaborate COVID-19 Risk Management Plan has been produced and circulated to all exhibitors.
“There will be heightened health and safety protocols, modified venue layouts, digital and hybrid meeting platforms and emphasis on numbers management,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
Government suspended the ZITF in 2020 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The ZITF was initially scheduled for May this but was postponed to July following a surge in COVID-19 cases.
