Chris Mahove
Exhibitors from 11 foreign countries have confirmed participation at the 61st Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, ZITF, which runs from the 21st to the 25th of this month.
This was revealed by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa during a post cabinet briefing to the media in Harare Tuesday.
Three hundred and ninety six local exhibitors have already confirmed their participation at the fair, which will run under the theme “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities”.
International exhibitors are from Malawi; Tanzania; Namibia; Botswana; Nigeria; Indonesia; South Africa; Belarus; Kenya; Mauritius; and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The Fair will run for four days from 21 to 24 September, 2021. The first three days will be Business Days,” she said.
She said President Emerson Mnangangwa will officially open the Fair on 23 September, 2021, with attendance being e strictly by invitation to manage numbers.
Highlights of the fair will include a keynote address by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at the ZITF International Business Conference, which will be on 22 September, 2021;
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will host the Zim-Diplomats Forum on 23 September which will present an opportunity for locally-based foreign diplomats to engage government on the ongoing measures to facilitate investment.
The third edition of the ZITF Innovators’ Forum will be held on 21 to 22 September, 2021. 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.
“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,” the Minister said.
She said the 24th would be an open day and will not be open to children.