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(TALKZIMBABWE) Sata officially opens ZITF

Sata officially opens ZITF
Posted by By Professor Tshuma at 29 April, at 23 : 38 PM

President Robert Mugabe (R) welcomes Zambian President Michael Sata (L) in Harare on April 25, 2012 on a two day state visit. (Photo: JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)

ZAMBIAN President Michael Sata has officially opened the 53rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, which he hailed as an organised exhibition. The Zambian President arrived in Harare on April 25 on a two day state visit.

In his address, President Sata said the theme for this year’s ZITF, which is ‘Investing Locally, Reaping Globally’ is appropriate as it helps the nation build products that are competitive regionally and internationally.

He underscored the need for Zimbabwean and Zambian companies to co-operate in order to strengthen and expand relations between the two countries.

He said it is important for local entrepreneurs to add value to their products as this is an integral part in cementing trade between the two countries.

The Zambia leader emphasised the important role played by agriculture in the economies of the two neighbours, urging stakeholders to carry out and promote research in the sector to guarantee food security.

“Allow me to challenge companies here present to be more innovative and facilitate advancements that will enhance quality products for various markets,” he said.

He added: “Our two nations are endowed with fertile soil and have the capability to be breadbaskets of Africa and the world. It is therefore imperative to address challenges in the agricultural sector.”

“We need also to explore and incorporate new technologies for our products to compete regionally and internationally. That is why Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed various Memoranda of Understanding to foster co-operation.”

President Sata invited Zimbabwean companies to participate at the Zambia Trade Fair and the Agricultural Show which will be held in June and August this year respectively.

Zimbabwe-Zambia relations date back to the days of the independence struggles of both countries and have grown from strength to strength, with both being members of regional grouping, Sadc.

Zambia is Zimbabwe’s fourth largest trading partner.

The event was President Robert Mugabe, First Ladies Grace Mugabe and Dr Christine Kaseba, Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John L. Nkomo, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, Senate President Edna Madzongwe and Senior Government officials.

Now in its 53rd year, ZITF still ranks as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s top trade expos despite a significant decline in exhibitors from 800, in 2011, to 675 this year, a general trend over the years.

Trade fairs are marketing events at which the fundamental products and innovations of an industry or sector are exhibited by a variety of companies, exhibitors, targeting interested buyers and industry participants – the visitors.

Trade fairs are usually organised by governments, chambers, industry associations or specialised exhibition companies as a way of creating platforms for business to liase on how best they can plan ahead to maximise profits.

Labels: MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, ZITF

posted by MrK @ 4:45 PM