Staff Reporter
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was yesterday impressed by the huge turnout at the on-going Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and said the increase of locally produced goods at the exhibition centres was a testimony that the country was moving in the right trajectory.
Speaking after officially opening the ZITF International Business Conference and touring of exhibition stands, Vice President Chiwenga said that there was an improvement this year at ZITF as all exhibition space was taken up.
“What was more interesting is that there is no place that has been left empty. In the past years, you would find some empty spaces. The most interesting part is that we are now on 75 percent of locally produced goods. This means that we are growing. Yes we can buy but what is more important is that we are producing,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
The Vice President added that ZITF had become a bridging gap between the Government and investors and said the prime trade showcase had the potential to effectively market the country.
“We have realised that the ZITF is a bridging gap between the government and the public. Through ZITF, the people will get to appreciate the works that we are doing and they will understand that something is being done in Zimbabwe,” added the Vice President.
VP Chiwenga said judging from last yesteryear’s exhibitions, there was a remarkable growth this year while adding that the business discussions that will happen at ZITF have the potential to open external markets for local products.
“ZITF is a platform to exhibit and learn at the same time. We have managed to improve from last year’s exhibition. We are confident that we will grow our clientele and use ZITF as a bridge to other investment opportunities from delegates that we have had discussions with,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
The 62nd edition of the ZITF which is running under the theme, “Rethink, Reimagine, Reinvent Value Chains for Economic Development,” will be officially be opened by President Mnangagwa tomorrow.
