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1700: The festivities have come to an end and we also end our updates.

1618: The police gymnastics team is now entertaining the guests.

1608: School children are now providing entertainment led by drum majorettes.

1552: The guest of honour has finished presenting the awards and has taken his seat. The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band is now entertaining the gathered guests.

1528: President Lungu is now handing over awards to exhibitors.

1525: President Lungu thanks the board, management and staff of ZITF for a job well done and most importantly ensuring that this year’s fair is a success. He declares the ZITF officially open. He concludes his speech.

1524: I would like to urge all our border agencies to complement the efforts of our private players to ensure that trade between the two countries goes smoothly.

1523: It is worth noting the the ZITF is one of the leading exhibitions in the region. I look forward to Zambia participating more at this trade fair. In our effort to cement trade, my government is committed that Zimbabwe and Zambia enhance trade in line with this year’s theme.

1518: The two countries witnessed private sector players investing in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Since time immemorial the two countries have worked together on numerous joint ventures like the Kariba Dam Wall.

1517: The friendship between Zambia and Zimbabwe founded by our forefathers dates back…joined by the Zambezi river and the Victoria Falls symbolises both our identities. It is for this reason that Zimbabwe assumes a place in my heart of hearts.

1514: He says it is an honour to be attending ZITF. He pays tribute to President Mugabe, the Government and the people of Zimbabwe for inviting him to attend the ZITF.

1513: President Lungu is now on the podium.

1511: He has now invited Min of Industry, Commerce and Trade Cde Mike Bimha to make his address and also invite the guest of honour.

1506: He has iHe also expressed gratitude to Zambian exhibitors for coming in numbers.He has encouraged business people to cease opportunities in order to stimulate growth.The ZITF board chairman has thànked the government for the support they have landed ZITF company.

1505: We are pleased that despite the numerous challenges faced by industries, we have more exhibitors than last year.

1458: The guard of honour now marching off the arena. ZITF chairman Mr Bekithemba Nkomo takes to the podium to make his address.

1433: The two heads of states have arrived and are now inspecting the guard of honour

1431: The Guest of Honour is making his way into the arena

The theme for this year’s trade fair is ‘Stimulating Trade, Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Business Growth’

1428: The first Lady Dr Amai Grace Mugabe and her Zambian Counterpart Ester Lungu make a grand entry into the main arena.

Some of the Heads of State who have officially opened the ZITF are Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad⁠⁠, Zambia’s late former head of State Michael Sata and Malawi’s former President Joyce Banda.

This year’s trade fair is being officially opened by His Excellency the President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu.

Some of the countries exhibiting here are Indonesia, South Africa, Switzerland, Cyprus, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique.

The ZITF is the largest intra trade fair South of Sahara

1418: National Assembly Speaker Advocate Jacob Mudenda and Senate President Cde Edna Madzongwe also make their way to the arena.

1415: Vice President Hon Emmerson Mnangagwa has also made his way to the main arena

1414: Vice President Mphoko is making his way into the main arena

1411: Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuru, Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantine Chiwenga & Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perence Shiri have arrived.

1410: Service chiefs have started arriving at the ZITF main arena

1300: President Mugabe, his Zambian counterpart President Lungu, First Lady Dr Amai Grace Mugabe and her counterpart have just finished touring the stands. They break for lunch – to come back for the official opening at 14:00hrs.

1243: President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart President Lungu are now at Alpha and Omega Dairy company. The company is owned by the First Family.

1230: Maltitudes of people are gathered around pavements and stands to catch a glimpse of His Excellency President Mugabe.

1211: The Head of state and Government has just visited ZANU PF stand in hall number 4. On display pictures of his excellence chronicling his journey of liberating Zimbabwe.

President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu touring stands at ZITF

1152: First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe is also touring stands with her Zambian counterpart.

1149: President Mugabe is now at Arzoo International stand. It’s an international company from Pakistan.

President Mugabe is touring stands at ZITF

1147: President Mugabe and Zambian President Hon Lungu touring stands at ZITF.

1140: Some Government officials who have made their way into Trade fair are Cdes Joseph Made, Chiratidzo Mabuwa and Sithembiso Nyoni.

1133: Presidents Mugabe and Lungu has arrived at ZITF grounds. VP Mphoko is also here.

President Lungu touring stands at ZITF today

1041: The 56th edition of the ZITF will be officially opened by Zambian President His Excellency Edgar Lungu.

1040: Scores of people have already filled the main arena at ZITF ready for the official opening. both young and old are in attendance and more are still entering the trade fair. Government officials are also trickling in.