Staff reporter

The 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is set to be bigger and better with more than 20 countries expected to converge in Zimbabwe for the exhibition, said ZITF Board Chairperson, Mr Busisa Moyo.

Speaking during a press conference, the ZITF board chairperson said that the country’s prime trade showcase would be bigger and better with the exhibition expected to amplify the Second Republic’s Economic Diplomacy thrust.

“In terms of exhibitor numbers, we are currently sitting at 533 direct exhibitors which are 27% higher than last year’s closing total of 420 direct exhibitors and 13% higher than the booking situation at the same time last year (471 direct exhibitors).

“This figure includes 108 new exhibitors, indicating an 80% retention rate on traditional exhibiting organisations. Notable amongst the first-time exhibitors which will be participating this year is the Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe. While in the past we have had individual countries from the EU participating, the likes of France, Germany and Italy, will be participating for the first time,” said Mr Moyo.

Additionally, Mr Moyo said the participation of EU was a testimony to the success of the engagement and re-engagement policy, including the economic diplomacy driven by the Second Republic.

“As you know, the ZITF plays a role in economic diplomacy and creating platforms where we can have conversations that have to do with business and this year we are talking about global competitiveness. This is what is taking place, and it is part of the momentum that is gathering around re-engagement at the public sector level, re-engagement business to business and at business levels,” noted Mr Moyo.

Meanwhile, last year, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, noted that given a shared responsibility between Government ministries, departments, exhibitors, and organisers, the implementation of Vision 2030 requires all hands on deck as ZITF is one of the major links between the public, industry and Government.