Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) says all is set for hosting this year’s trade fair with at least 357 direct exhibitors having confirmed participation.
“At least 357 direct exhibitors have booked and confirmed participation on 40,109 square metres of exhibition space,” said ZITF board chairman, Busisa Moyo.
Of these bookings, 11 percent are first-time exhibitors displaying a wide range of products and services including automobile and automotive equipment, industrial hemp, financial services and fintech, medical equipment, mining equipment, among other services.
“In terms of geographical mix, 62% of confirmed local exhibitors are from Harare, 25% are from Bulawayo, 10% from other towns and 3% are foreign.”
The foreign countries set to participate include Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania.
In cognisant of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s theme is “Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities,” to be held from 21-24 September 2021.
“This theme locates ZITF as a relevant platform for sharing trade, investment and market information by enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals.
“We are at a very critical point in dealing with both the pandemic and its long-term effects, therefore it is crucial to host the show at this point in time, in an attempt to bring normalcy and stability to business, industry and the national economy,” explained Moyo.
In a quest to cater for the evolving needs of clients, ZITF accelerated its drive to digital transformation by launching a hybrid exhibition where the physical exhibition and concurrent conferences will be complemented by the virtual platform to allow remote participation.
In terms of COVID-19 preparedness, robust health and safety protocols are reported to have been established under the advice of public health authorities, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Bulawayo City Council.
Some of these health protocols include, vaccination, online registration, crowd management in exhibition halls to ensure that each venue complies with the recommended attendee threshold, sanitisation stations, COVID-19 ‘Police’ team to encourage and enforce compliance with all health and safety protocols, and an onsite medical service facility.
Additionally, children under the age of 18 will not be allowed, whilst all exhibitors, vendors, service providers and conference delegates will be required to produce a negative COVID19 test result (PCR or Antigen) taken within 48 hours of the beginning of the show.
