(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) President Banda leaves footprints in Zim
Sunday, 28 April 2013 00:00
Lincoln Towindo
President Mugabe and his Malawian counterpart, Dr Joyce Banda, share a lighter moment while touring exhibition stands at the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Friday — Picture by Percy Musiiwa
In the five days she spent in Zimbabwe, Malawi President Dr Joyce Banda made her presence felt.
One of the most powerful women on the African continent, she last week traversed the length and breadth of the country interacting with all and sundry from senior Government officials, business executives, tobacco farmers, right through to orphans at the Grace Mugabe Children’s Home in Mazowe.
A champion of affirmative action, women empowerment, Dr Banda — just like her Zimbabwean counterpart — is renowned for her pro-poor economic policies in Malawi.
Her visit served to further encapsulate African solidarity for a fellow nation whose people’s aspirations have been ravaged by the bane of illegal Western sanctions for over a decade.
During her brief stay, President Banda was evidently impressed by the Zimbabwean model of black affirmative action.
She visited places such as the country’s tobacco auction floors, the Grace Mugabe Children’s Home and subsequently the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which she officially opened on Friday.
She hailed Zimbabwe’s economic empowerment programmes, saying Malawi will work to replicate the land reform and economic empowerment programmes which benefit the majority.
Since assuming power last year following the death of President Bingu Wa Mutharika, Dr Banda has instituted a raft of policy measures aimed at uplifting indigenous Malawians, especially women, thereby drawing a parallel with Zimbabwe’s black empowerment initiative.
President Banda’s Economic Recovery Plan, which emphasises farm input subsidies in an economy that is hugely dependent on tobacco exports for sustenance, has been hailed as the pinnacle of her short reign.
Following in the footsteps of her predecessor, President Banda has trudged on fighting Malawi’s economic dependence on Western economies nearly 50 years after the country attained independence.
Speaking after touring the country’s biggest indigenous tobacco auction floors — Boka — Dr Banda — who was clearly impressed by Zimbabwe’s apparent progress — was quick to point out that her government will seek to replicate the Zimbabwean affirmative action model.
“I am impressed by your programmes in the agricultural sector,” she said.
“I have plans to send a group of people to come and learn from our brothers and sisters here.
“It is our hope that we will then begin to implement what we have seen here for the benefit of our country and Africa as a continent. Such empowerment initiatives are welcome.
“I was talking to the Vice President (Cde Mujuru) and told her that I have come to learn how we can increase the growing of flue-cured tobacco. In Malawi, we rely on burley tobacco.”
Zimbabwe and Malawi share a common history and heritage of solidarity and oneness.
During the colonial days, Malawi and Zimbabwe along with Zambia fought settler oppression under the ill-fated Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Zimbabwe is also home to a large contingent of Malawian Diasporans.
Following the change of guard in Malawi last year, reactionary forces sort to place a wedge between the two Southern African countries, arguing the Banda administration, thought to be Western-inclined, would fail to co-exist with President Mugabe’s revolutionary leadership.
But President Banda’s visit last week was a clear indication that all is well and dandy between the two nations.
Given Zimbabwe’s suffering and ostracization at the hands of Britain and her Western allies through the illegal sanctions regime, African nations have been steadfast in their demands for Zimbabwe’s right to self-determination.
And who was better to throw her weight behind Zimbabwe’s protracted fight against needles and unfair exclusion than the Malawian leader?
Dr Banda made it clear that in spite of the conspiracy theories that seek to destabilise the harmonious relations between the two states, Malawi will continue to lobby for the removal of the illegal Western sanctions that are affecting ordinary people.
“My visit to Zimbabwe has provided me with a rare opportunity to see what is emerging in Zimbabwe. It gives hope to see that the destiny of Zimbabwe remains in the hands of Zimbabweans,” she said while officially opening the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Friday.
“We will march with you and the rest of us shall blow the trumpet: ‘lift sanctions, they are hurting the ordinary people.’”
Just as is the case with Zimbabwe’s First Family, President Banda is also renowned for her charity work in Malawi, which is aimed at helping educate and empower women. She is known for her strong passion for women, children and the under-privileged.
In 1989, she started the National Association of Business Women, which raised cash for women to start small businesses by lending them start-up cash for small businesses.
Dr Banda is also founding member of the African Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (AFWE) which operates in 41 countries in Africa.
As a result, she made it a point during her visit that she passed through the Grace Mugabe Children’s Home.
During her tour of the home, she commended the First Family for serving the underprivileged.
“Throughout my adulthood I have been running a lot, including mobilising underprivileged children, but what I saw today makes me feel small and I am impressed by what the First Family has done to reach out to the masses.
“Perhaps people out there do not know that this is what the First Lady is doing here. If you get an opportunity to make money, make sure that you use that money for good and that is what the First Family is doing.
“For Africa to prosper, it means putting the money into households, particularly the poor ones. Once God has blessed us, we have a moral obligation to help underprivileged people.”
Labels: JOYCE BANDA, ROBERT MUGABE, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, ZITF
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(NEWZIMBABWE, BUSINESS DAY SA) ZITF: China, SA, top exhibitors
23/04/2013 00:00:00
by Business Day
SOUTH Africa and China have the highest number of exhibitors at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which opened in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
ZITF chairman Bekithemba Nkomo said on Monday that with 95% of exhibition space sold, South Africa and China had the largest representation. "South Africa has booked the largest exhibition space after taking up 800m² square metres - up from last year’s 400m².
"China has maintained its 600m² square metres that it had taken up last year."
Malawian President Joyce Banda will officially open the international trade fair on Friday.
Analysts have speculated that the high interest from South Africa and China was a reflection of the race between the two countries to make inroads into Zimbabwe’s economy.
South Africa’s Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe is scheduled to address a business breakfast tomorrow. Issues for consideration at the meeting include funding and access to markets for small to medium-size enterprises.
The instability in South Africa’s mining has made Zimbabwe a lucrative destination for investment in the sector, while the "Look East" policy President Robert Mugabe embarked in 2003 had endeared the country to the Chinese.
"Given the possibility of elections in 2013, investors are readying themselves for a move into Zimbabwe," said Trevor Maisiri, a senior analyst based at the Johannesburg office of the International Crisis Group.
"Investors are also now at a point where they are willing to work with whomever wins elections and runs the government. They are positioning themselves to move into Zimbabwe."
South African resources companies have vast interests in the Zimbabwean mining sector. These include Impala Platinum, Anglo American Platinum and Pretoria Portland Cement.
SA companies also have a strong presence in the Zimbabwean financial services sector and operate two banks — MBCA, a subsidiary of Nedbank, and a unit of Standard Bank, Stanbic.
Further, state-owned South African Airways has tapped into Zimbabwe’s airline industry, following the demise of national carrier Air Zimbabwe, since 2009.
It has also emerged that South Africa has overtaken China as the largest buyer of Zimbabwean tobacco, since the selling season began in February.
Meanwhile, Air Zimbabwe officials said they were on course with their "restructuring exercise" after the national carrier resumed domestic and regional daily flights two weeks ago.
Air Zimbabwe will double the number of flights from Harare to Bulawayo to match increased demand during the ZITF and will run a morning and evening flight schedule.
Labels: BEKITHEMBA NKOMO, ROBERT MUGABE, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, ZITF
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Malawi leader jets in for ZITF
Welcome ... President Joyce Banda with President Robert Mugabe and VP Joice Mujuru
23/04/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
MALAWI President Joyce Banda arrived in Harare Tuesday for a five-day State visit during which she will also open this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Banda took over as President in April last year following the sudden death of Bingu wa Mutharika, who was a close ally of President Robert Mugabe and shared the Zanu PF leader’s distrust of the West.
After assuming office Banda immediately pressed Zimbabwe to re-pay a US$24 million loan extended by Mutharika as she battled an economic crisis blamed on the collapse of relations with the West under Mutharika.
Speaking before she left Malawi, Banda said she would be looking to use the visit to improve co-operation and expand trade relations between the two countries.
“Zimbabwe is not only our long-term friend, but also a strategic partner in terms of trade. It goes without saying therefore that relations between the two countries are critical,” she told reporters.
“Again, since I became President, I have made it a point to visit our neighbours and friends not only as an obligation of courtesy, but also to assure them that my government will make sure that our relations are not only maintained but allowed to expand.”
In Harare President Mugabe appraised her on progress in implementing the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which was facilitated by the regional SADC grouping.
“Our progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement has been adversely affected by the unjustified and illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the European Union, the United States and other Western countries,” he said.
“While I would like to thank your great country and other Sadc countries for their unwavering call for the removal of these debilitating sanctions, our detractors have not shown any willingness to have them unconditionally removed.”
Banda will officially open the 54th edition of the ZITF in Bulawayo on Friday.
Labels: JOYCE BANDA, ROBERT MUGABE, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, ZITF
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Unemployment a time bomb - sata
By Abigail Chaponda, Misheck Wangwe and Joseph Mwenda
Sun 01 July 2012, 13:25 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says
youths in Zambia will turn against the government if the high unemployment levels are not addressed immediately.And President Sata says the Zimbabwean International Trade Fair he attended in Bulawayo recently was better organised than the one he officially opened in Ndola yesterday.
Speaking before the luncheon hosted in his honour sponsored by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) at Mukuba Hotel in Ndola yesterday, President Sata said it was unfortunate that he was invited to dine with investors when a majority of Zambians were going for many days without a meal.
He said he was disheartened to see thousands of youths fighting for recruitment in the Zambia Army when the government was previously pleading with citizens to join the defence forces.
"We cannot be here enjoying this lunch while the youths are fighting for employment. We should be ashamed as Zambians because in the past, the army brass band would have to perform to encourage youths to join them," President Sata said.
He said the unemployment levels in the country were a time bomb and warned that if nothing was done about it, youths would turn against the government.
"When you see children fighting over recruitment in the army, it means they
are warning us. If we are not careful, these young people will beat us one
day with these flags we are carrying on our vehicles," President Sata said during his address to senior government officials, exhibitors and organizers of the 2012 Zambia International Trade Fair.
"When we are sitting here and eating what First Quantum is giving us, let us think of how many of our relatives have gone for three days without a meal. Yesterday I was in Chama, I saw Mr.Tom Mtine's relatives, they are as thin as a thread. They don't even know when they last ate. And here we are eating. We don't even know what to do with what is going to remain."
He said Zambia would not survive if all stakeholders, both public and private, fail to join hands to end the high levels of unemployment among young people.
"At every point we have young people trying to remind us leaders why we are
lying idle. The purpose of the Trade Fair is to come and watch your innovations on how you are creating employment," he said.
President Sata said it was sad that in Zambia today the Zambia Army, Zambia Police, Zambia Air Force and the Zambia National Service were being accused of corruptly recruiting fewer youths when defence wings did not have the capacity to recruit annually.
He challenged ministers and other senior government officials who were present to find ways of creating employment in their respective sectors.
"All industries are closed, what are we doing honourable ministers? Let us
work hard to revamp the industries," he said.
He asked the ministry of commerce to reopen Dunlop in Ndola and Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe.
And President Sata commended the Bank of Zambia over the Statutory
Instrument banning the pricing, quoting and general transaction in foreign
currency, saying it was the only way of giving the kwacha its own identity.
"When you go to Britain, the legal tender is pound, when you go to America, it's dollar and in Zambia when we say we want kwacha, you have the so called politician saying they can't be tourist, let them be," he said.
President Sata said some of the critics of the Statutory Instrument were tourism operators and did not want to pay loyalties to the government.
Meanwhile, police officers almost caused chaos during the President's tour
of exhibitors' stands at the Trade Fair.
Close to a thousand police officers have been deployed to maintain order at
the event, but the exaggerated security detail blocked journalists from covering the tour of stands yesterday.
The heavily armed officers at one instance manhandled Post Photojournalist Joseph Mwenda for getting pictures of the Head of State using a flash.
Mwenda was hurled out of the Ministry of Agriculture exhibition hall by one of the senior police officers who told him that he had taken enough pictures of the President.
President Sata's press aide George Chellah, however, intervened and wondered why the police officers were harassing journalists who were merely doing their job.
Labels: DOLLARISATION, FIRST QUANTUM MINING, MICHAEL SATA, UNEMPLOYMENT, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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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
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COMMENT - This is a blatant example of MDC corruption in action. Just like in Zambia 21 years ago, no matter how corrupt people thought UNIP was, it was incomparable to the corruption of the MMD under Frederick Chiluba. Once you have a neoliberal party that doesn't believe in government because it worships 'free markets', don't expect good governance. In fact, expect abuse of office and official funds.
Mugabe, Sata arrive to Bulawayo council strike
26/04/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
BULAWAYO was in the throes of a major health crisis on Thursday as President Robert Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart Michael Sata arrived for the official opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. A four-day strike by 2,300 council workers over outstanding salaries had paralysed most services.
Mayor Thaba Moyo stepped in to handle the talks with unions late Thursday, but the talks appeared to have failed. Clinics remained closed, burst water pipes had cut supplies to at least four suburbs and rubbish heaps were piling up around the city – all in the middle of the country’s premier business exhibition.
The MDC-T run Bulawayo council has not paid workers for two months, and unions say the February salaries – the last time staff was paid – were slashed by 40 percent without notice.
“I don’t want to call this a strike. People have gathered at the council offices looking for their money. If they pay us now, we will leave here and go to work,” said Moses Mahlangu, the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Urban Councils Workers’ Union.
He added: “What we have had so far are demands for council workers to go back to work. How will they collect rubbish when they are hungry? How do they work hungry?
“The council says there is no money. When your father says he has no money, his actions should show that.
“Now, you have heard that they bought over 20 cars for top management including the mayor, and they are still buying. Council staff is unpaid but people are buying cars.
“We are not asking for luxury. We are talking of students who have been sent back from school because they have not paid fees; we are talking of lodgers who have been thrown out because they can’t pay rent… we are talking about sick people who are sleeping outside in this cold.”
Since Monday, the workers have been gathering everyday on the lawn at the Tower Block building which houses council offices. A bank has threatened to seize the building over a US$5 million debt.
Several suburbs including Paddonhurst, Sunnyside, North End, Tegela and Romney Park have been without water for three days after a water pipe burst.
Garbage was also collecting in several parts of the city centre, mainly the Basch Street Terminus commonly known as Egodini, Lobengula Street and the market place along 5th Avenue between Robert Mugabe Way and George Silundika Street.
Some council officials have accused the workers of using the Trade Fair to “blackmail” and “embarrass” the local authority. Mahlangu rejects the criticism.
“Us being here to ask for our money has nothing to do with the Trade Fair,” he said.
“We get paid on the 21st day of every month. What we have here is akin to a situation where someone who owes you money decides the terms of when you can claim it, and even withholds some of your money and still expects you to be grateful and obedient.”
Mugabe and Sata arrived in the city on Thursday ahead of the official opening of the annual exhibition on Friday.
With nearly 200,000 people expected to visit the Trade Fair grounds by Saturday night, council bosses are desperate to end the work boycott before a full-scale crisis.
Labels: BULAWAYO, COUNCILS, MDC CORRUPTION, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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Sata and Mugabe toast ‘special relationship
TIME PUBLISHED - Thursday, April 26, 2012, 9:12 am
President Mugabe welcomes President Sata to Zimbabwe
ZAMBIA President Michael Sata declared it was “good to be back home” as he arrived in Harare Wednesday for a state visit during which he will also officially open this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
President Sata was greeted by a 21-gun salute when he landed at Harare International Airport aboard the challenger for a three-day state visit to Zimbabwe. President Sata, accompanied by First Lady Christine Kaseba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Given Lubinda and other senior Government officials, was welcomed by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace.
Others who were at the airport to receive President Sata and his delegation were Zimbabwean Vice-President Joyce Mujuru, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and Zambian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe Ndiyoyi Mutiti.
President Sata also inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Zimbabwean army before he left the airport in the company of President Mugabe.
“I am certain that this visit will afford our two countries yet another opportunity to interact and further consolidate the excellent relations that we enjoy,” Sata said at a state dinner hosted for him by President Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe said the two countries were like siamese twins adding Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle would have been harder without the support of its northern neighbour and the rest of the region.
“You suffered reprisals by the Smith regime because of the support you gave us. Lives were lost in Zambia because of your solidarity with our liberation struggle. In spite of all these actions by the settler regime, Zambia relentlessly supported our struggle,” he said.
“It is this assistance from Zambia and other Frontline States which enables us through the armed struggle to end settler colonialism and bring about independence in Zimbabwe.
“That we are inseparable can be traced back to the old times when our two people traded and shared the great Zambezi River. Then there was the ill-fated Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which left large numbers of our people on either side of our borders.
“To this day, we have Zambians who have chosen to make Zimbabwe their home, as well as Zimbabweans who have done the same in Zambia.”
The two countries share the premier Victoria Falls resort and are set to co-host the 20th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation next year.
In addition an agreement was recently concluded to develop the US$4 billion Batoka Gorge hydro-power station on their common border which – with a capacity to produce 1,650 megawatts of electricity – would help end Zimbabwe’s perennial power supply problems.
“Such infrastructural projects are the enablers of real and sustainable economic development,” Mugabe said.
“As a matter of fact, this project is as important to our two countries as it is to the whole Southern Africa region which, as you know, is experiencing a critical power deficit.”
President Sata is today expected to visit Zimbabwe’s Heroes Acre where he will lay wreaths on the tomb of a soldier and then he will later visit the Zimbabwean Dairy Board and Tyrone Farm in Goromonzi, about 30 kilometres south-east of Harare.
[NewZimbabwe.com/Daily Mail]
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, ZITF
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SA minister hails Zim trade policies
Wednesday, 25 April 2012 00:00
From Prosper Ndlovu in Bulawayo
INTERNATIONAL exhibitors at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which opened in Bulawayo yesterday should take advantage of the investment opportunities in Zimbabwe to expand their business partnerships with local companies. South
African Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ms Elizabeth Thabethe said this yesterday when she officially opened the South African exhibition stands in Hall Four at the ZITF.
Ms Thabethe said Zimbabwe had a huge potential to achieve significant economic growth and urged local companies to network with their regional and international counterparts to boost their businesses.
She said the acclaimed international trade showcase was an embodiment of the good external relations Zimbabwe had with its neighbours and partners across the globe.
“We take note of the investment opportunities that are in Zimbabwe in various economic sectors, such as mining and tourism,” she said. “This shows that we have the potential to expand regional business and trade. There is a need to increase regional integration and creation of synergies that will see us achieve meaningful socio-economic development.”
Ms Thabethe applauded the recently launched Zimbabwe industrial and trade policies, saying the documents were a sign that the country was gearing itself for improved economic performance in the Sadc region and beyond.
“This calls for concerted African regional integration and value addition to our businesses. As South Africa, we will complement Zimbabwe and play our role in improving business growth.
“We have signed a lot of deals with Zimbabwe and we are elated to take part in this trade showcase. We will bring even more exhibitors in the coming trade fair.”
She paid tribute to Zimbabweans for celebrating 32 years of Independence and said the ZITF was a crowning moment of the gains of the liberation struggle.
South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Professor Vusi Mavimbela, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, said the presence of regional and international exhibitors was an indicator that Zimbabwe was a good investment destination.
He said this year’s theme, “Investing Locally, Reaping Globally”, was befitting as it underscored the need for integrated business approaches and partnerships with players in the region and beyond.
Ambassador Mavimbela said Zimbabwe was renowned for its skilled labour, which the country should take advantage of to boost its economy.
“Zimbabwe is so advanced in terms of education, if not the leader. There is a need to integrate these skills towards economic growth of the country and the region,” he said. ZITF general manager Mr Daniel Chigaru paid tribute to the South African government and its companies for being consistent in participating at the ZITF.
“We are very grateful for the efforts to improve cordial relations between the two countries. We have received a lot of support from South African companies, even in terms of material support.”
Labels: ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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Zambia’s Sata to open ZITF
23/04/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
ZAMBIA President Michael Sata will officially open this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which started in Bulawayo on Monday, a government spokesman has confirmed.
Information and Publicity Secretary, George Charamba who also doubles as President Robert Mugabe’s spokesman told state media that Sata was expected in Harare this week for a state visit during which he would also open the week-long ZITF.
“He (President Sata) is coming for a State visit and a State banquet will be hosted for him here in Harare after which he will fly to Bulawayo for the official opening of the ZITF,” Charamba said.
ZITF organisers said there had been a marked increase in the number of exhibitors and countries listed to attend with some European countries, who shunned the fair in a decade of political and economic upheaval, making their return to the country’s premier trade event.
Among other European exhibitors are Italy, Poland and Germany.
Former colonial ruler Britain, US, Australia and France did not confirm they would be sending representatives before going to press.
Brazil is participating for the first time while South Africa and China -- Zimbabwe’s biggest trade partners -- have 35 companies between them exhibiting.
"The exhibition is likely to be outstanding in terms of quality of exhibits, product mix and innovation by exhibitors," event ZITF general manager Daniel Chigaru said.
This year’s event will see 62 percent of exhibitors returning while first time exhibitors account for 38 percent, he said.
The highlight of the exhibition is the International Business Conference on Wednesday.
Vice-President Joice Mujuru is the keynote speaker.
Labels: GEORGE CHARAMBA, JOICE MUJURU, MICHAEL SATA, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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Mutambara slams Tsvangirai over Iran
by Lebo Nkatazo
28/04/2010 00:00:00
DEPUTY Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara said the fight between Iran and the United States is not a matter for Zimbabwe as he criticised Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for snubbing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week.
Ministers from Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) boycotted the Iranian President, who officiated at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair last Friday.
The state-run Herald newspaper reported Wednesday that Tsvangirai had been “grilled” by cabinet colleagues from Zanu PF and Mutambara’s MDC party over his snub.
Tsvangirai, the paper said, told cabinet his ministers were “tied up elsewhere”.
Mutambara blasted: “Zimbabwe has no fight against Iran, Zimbabwe and Iran share a lot of history and tradition.
“We are both members of the Non-Aligned Movement and we have a history of anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism.
“Iran went through a revolution in 1979 and was able to build a strong industrial base based on science and technology and energy, so there is a lot to learn from Iran and there is potential for increased trade between Zimbabwe and Iran.”
Mutambara suggested Tsvangirai had snubbed Ahmadinejad so as not to offend his friends in the United States government which is threatening new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
“As an African country, we have no business boycotting or going against other emerging markets such as Iran. The fight is between Iran and the US. We have no business participating in that fight,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Even if we are beneficiaries of US generosity, and even if we want to be friends with the US, that should not compromise our independence and sovereignty. We must make our decisions without what the Americans tell us.
“The argument that Iran is a dictatorship should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. The US is friends with Saudi Arabia but it is not a democracy. It is friends with Kuwait but it is not a democracy.
“Hypocrisy and double standards are what define US foreign policy.”
Labels: ARTHUR MUTAMBARA, MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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Ahmadinejad slams West
Herald Reporters
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday afternoon to a rapturous welcome from the Islamic and Christian communities.
President Ahmadinejad — who will today officially open the 51st edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo — was met at the Harare International Airport by his counterpart President Mugabe and several Government ministers.
The Iranian leader last night condemned "all Satanic pressures" the West were exerting on Zimbabwe and said these were doomed to fail.
His visit started with the warm welcome at the airport, where he and his wife Mrs Shrahai, were received by President Mugabe, the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, senior Government officials, service chiefs, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe and scores of ordinary people.
President Mugabe led President Ahmadinejad to a dais where the Zimbabwe National Army played the Iranian national anthem.
The anthem was accompanied by a 21-gun salute and fly-past in diamond formation by Air Force of Zimbabwe jets.
President Ahmadinejad then inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Presidential Guard before meeting the ecstatic crowd that thronged the airport.
The two leaders proceeded to State House where they held brief talks before touring the Modzone Garment Factory in Chitungwiza.
The road to the factory was lined with Zimba-bweans and Iranians resident in the country, waving both nations’ flags and ululating.
The factory, formerly Cone Textiles, was closed in the 1990s before reopening following the establishment of a joint venture between the Zimbabwean and Iranian governments.
The factory has been completely mechanised and staff demonstrated to the two leaders how they operated some of the state-of-the-art equipment.
Presidents Mugabe and Ahmadinejad went to the Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries plant where the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces commissioned a tractor assembly plant, another joint venture between the two countries.
The joint venture, Motira, brings together Zimbabwe’s Industrial Development Corporation, the Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company and the Iran Foreign Investment Company.
Assembly plant workers also waved flags and chanted "Long live Zimbabwe, Long live Iran".
The two presidents climbed aboard one of the tractors and revved its engine while chatting.
IDC chairman Dr Charles Utete said: "This assembly plant is born out of the co-operation of our two Heads of State. It is a practical friendship."
He said they were now working on building a foundry so that Zimbabwe could manufacture some of the tractor parts for the assembly plant and he wanted the entire programme to be granted national project status.
Dr Utete said they were looking at exporting the tractors to the Sadc and Comesa markets at preferential tariffs and establish Zimbabwe as the regional hub for the production of Itemco
tractors.
In an interview afterwards, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said Zimbabwe and Iran were working out the modalities of forming a joint investment company to further expand co-operation.
"This will go a very long way in consolidating our friendship," he said.
Last night, President Mugabe hosted a banquet for President Ahmadinejad before which the two leaders witnessed the signing of various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding that will further boost economic and cultural ties.
These included a Bilateral Air Services Agreement and MOUs on tourism, co-operation on youth affairs, science and technology, education, diplomatic consultations, waiver for diplomatic and service visas, establishment of a joint investment company, and one between CBZ Bank, the Finance Ministry and Iranian financial institutions.
Ministers and their representatives signed the documents.
Speaking to the media afterwards, President Mugabe said: "We hope prosperity will ensue from the various agreements signed tonight.
"Iran and Zimbabwe have established that cordial alliance which we cannot under any circumstances sever.
"President Ahmadinejad and myself have the same policy against imperialism and colonialism in order to protect our sovereignty and independence."
The Iranian leader hailed Zimbabwe for being resolute in resisting imperialism.
"Unfortunately the United Nations Security Council, which is supposed to serve the whole world, has been used by the powerful as an instrument to increase pressure on our countries . . .
"I condemn all Satanic pressures imposed on Zimbabwe and these powerful countries are doomed, they will not be successful," he said.
After opening the trade fair, President Ahmadinejad leaves for Uganda on a State visit.
Labels: IRAN, MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, SANCTIONS, ZDERA, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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Govt to participate in regional trade fairs
Written by Margaret Habbuno
Friday, May 08, 2009 4:52:21 PM
COMMERCE deputy minister Richard Taima yesterday said government has put in place measures that will ensure it participates in various trade fairs in the region.
During a meeting to review Zambiaís participation at this yearís Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Taima said measures were being put in place by his ministry to ensure that the country participated in several fairs in Southern Africa, Comesa as well as in countries such as Japan and China.
Taima disclosed that government spent a total of US $15,000 (about K76.4 million) for exhibition space at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
“Our participation was a success. Directives to the ministry for Zambia to participate in other fairs in SADC, COMESA, Japan and China are being looked into,î Taima said. “The participation of Zambia in the Fair was a success and the sectors that represented Zambia were textile and clothing, mining, pharmaceuticals, information and technology, among others.”
He said the Ministry of Commerce facilitated the transportation of both exhibits and exhibitors to and from Bulawayo.
“The ministry paid for exhibition space for all exhibitors and traders in the Trade Fair at a total cost of US $15,000,” said Taima.
At least 30 Zambian companies exhibited at this yearís Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
Labels: RICHARD TAIMA, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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Rupiah urges Zambia, Zim to expand manufacturing sector
Written by Innocent Daka in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Friday, May 01, 2009 10:03:21 PM
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has called on Zambia and Zimbabwe to expand their manufacturing industry to overcome the harsh effects of the global economic meltdown. Officiating at the 50TH Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Thursday,
President Banda said Zambia and Zimbabwe should work with greater vigour in turning the raw materials which the two countries shared in common to produce finished goods.
President Banda called for the
improvement in infrastructure such as telecommunications, road, air and railway to facilitate trade between the two countries and the whole Africa.
He said Zambia and Zimbabwe could augment their efforts by investing in human resource development and protection of the environment, the key ingredients in achieving sustainable economic development.
President Banda said he was happy that the two countries were cooperating in various sectors, citing the establishment of a one-stop border post at Chirundu, which he said would minimise the time and cost of trade in the region.
He said the theme for this year's trade fair “Golden Platform for Dynamic Takeoff was appropriate as it comes at the time when the nations of the world were facing a challenge of the economic meltdown.
He said the two countries should turn the challenges into opportunities by repositioning themselves for a dynamic take off through investing in human resource and exploitation of natural resources they shared in common for their mutual benefit.
"Zimbabwe is our natural trading partner and we want to see trade expanded for the benefit of the two countries," President Banda said.
"Zimbabwe Trade Fair should mark a new era for the country's well articulated economic recovery plan both in the short and long term through enhanced trade and economic interaction with other countries."
President Banda said on her part, Zambia would continue to participate in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair because of its economic importance not only to Zimbabwe but to the region as a whole.
On the political front, President Banda congratulated the people of Zimbabwe for embracing the government of national unity and called on the international community not to continue to isolate Zimbabwe and cause further suffering among the people.
He said the people of Zimbabwe had shown clearly that they were ready to forget their past political differences and open a new chapter for peace, reconciliation and prosperity.
President Banda said credit should go to the political leaders and the people of Zimbabwe for agreeing to find a lasting solution to their internal problems, adding that it was the duty of the international community not to isolate but support Zimbabwe on its road to recovery.
"I want to assure you... that Zambia fully supports Zimbabwe's economic recovery program and it is ready to share the little resources at her disposal," he said.
He advised the people and leadership of Zimbabwe to continue with dialogue in finding solutions to various challenges that they faced.
President Banda said the most important thing had happened in Zimbabwe in that parties agreed to form a unity government and that leaders must continue to talk to each other always.
Labels: MANUFACTURING, RUPIAH BANDA, ZIMBABWE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
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