Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind” has earned praise from local exhibitors at the ongoing China International Import and Export Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
Held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, this major global event highlights Zimbabwe’s strides in cultural exchange and economic empowerment as artisans and entrepreneurs showcase their unique crafts to a global audience.
The 7th edition of CIIE, an initiative launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018, serves as a platform for international procurement, investment promotion, and cultural exchange.
In an interview with this publication, Zimbabwean artist and businesswoman Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi, leading a team of five female exhibitors, expressed pride in representing her country and promoting handmade wares from Zimbabwe’s southern regions.
“This platform allows once-marginalized artisans to gain exposure and grow their businesses. It’s truly empowering. The local exhibitors’ participation, organized by Zimtrade, Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion body, has been pivotal in expanding opportunities for artisans who typically lack the resources to travel internationally,” she said.
Ndebele-Sibindi, who also represented Zimbabwe at the 2022 Dubai World Expo, noted that the country’s art and craft sector holds immense potential as a major employer and revenue generator.
“We have a group of young entrepreneurs eager to expand their reach, network with international buyers, and learn from global markets. This is more than just a business opportunity, it is a chance for us to build long-lasting relationships with Chinese buyers and fellow international exhibitors, contributing to a stronger presence for Zimbabwean art on the global stage,” she explained.
Among the young artisans is Makaita Tekere, who described the expo as a transformative experience.
“Seeing how businesses operate at an international level has been eye-opening. The Zimbabwe pavilion has attracted significant interest, with numerous inquiries about their handmade crafts.
“The Chinese market’s response to our work has been encouraging, which highlights the universal appeal of our cultural art. We are also impressed by the seamless organization and efficiency displayed by Chinese hosts, observing that the smooth conduct of business at CIIE is a learning opportunity in itself,” said Tekere.
The CIIE brings together 152 countries, regions, and international organizations, making it a prime opportunity for Zimbabwean exhibitors to tap into the vast Chinese market. With rising global interest in cultural artifacts and handmade crafts, Zimbabwe’s pavilion at the expo is a celebration of authentic craftsmanship, showcasing pieces that embody the country’s diverse heritage.
Zimbabwe’s mantra of inclusivity and empowerment resonates deeply with the CIIE’s goals of open cooperation and cultural exchange. By bringing local artisans to Shanghai, Zimbabwe is showcasing its rich cultural legacy while empowering communities to benefit from international markets.
