The fair is organised by the ZITF Company with the aim of promoting trade and investment in various sectors of activity.
This year’s theme, according to the organisers, was chosen with the expectation that in the wake of the economic devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, participants will become future disruptors, able to create and implement strategies for agility, adaptability and resilience as the needs of the environment and economies change.
While ailing state enterprises and parastatals such as the National Railways of Zimbabwe, the Grain Marketing Board and the Hwange Colliery Company returned to the fair, Alpha and Omega Dairy — a fresh milk and dairy products company owned by the late former president Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, failed to exhibit.
The company also failed to exhibit last year.
During its heyday, Alpha and Omega Dairy was adjudged as one of the best exhibitors at ZITF, receiving multiple awards from 2015 to 2017, the year Mugabe was overthrown in a military coup.
The international trade showcase also managed to attract 71 new exhibitors.
Fourteen countries, including Malawi, Japan, Mozambique, Namibia, Indonesia, Zambia, Angola, South Africa, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kenya, Britain, Tanzania and Botswana, took part in the fair.
It was worth to note that Britain, which was represented by its embassy in Zimbabwe, also took part after a long period of non-participation.
Zimbabwe’s former coloniser, together with other European Union countries, imposed sanctions on the country in 2002 in protest at human rights abuses and violations of democracy under Robert Mugabe administration.
Belarus, which has taken interest in the country’s mining, transport and energy sectors, brought eight companies that showcased machinery and equipment for agriculture, mining, transportation and engineering.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce vice-president Golden Muoni said they used the fair as an industry to set the tone for the coming edition of the trade fair. “Not much to our expectations.
As we are coming from this pandemic, obviously it was necessary for us to set the tone for industry and the country.
There were not many international companies, signaling a fatigue brought about by Covid-19,” Muoni said. “So I think this one is just setting the tone for the next coming 2023 trade fair.
This is what many companies would be geared for.
My assessment is that I didn’t see much in terms of business vibe.
So let’s set the tone for 2023 to 2025. ” Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries vice president Joseph Gunda said even though they have not yet completed their survey, ZITF 2022 was a success. 🔗 Read Full Article
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