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Herald Reporter

Preparations for Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai are progressing well, with construction of the Zimbabwe Pavilion now complete, while mobilisation of the private sector is continuing.

Businesses are being encouraged to propose events that can be included in the thematic calendar of events, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday.

She said Cabinet considered an update presented by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Fredrick Shava, on Zimbabwe’s participation in the expo, which runs from October 1 to March 31, 2022.

Minister Mutsvangwa said following the completion of the construction of the Zimbabwe Pavilion, the remaining scope of work now underway includes finalisation of the digital equipment, zone labelling, installation of the Zimbabwe theme and country name, installation of the Zimbabwe Model Map, and virtual reality sets.

Turning to the mobilisation of companies, Minister Mutsvangwa said participants are expected to come up with events that explore solutions to fundamental global issues, guided by the 10 theme weeks and 18 International Days.

She added that the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry had mobilised 21 tourism operators to participate at the Expo 2020 Dubai. 

“A number of tourism videos from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and Ngamo Safaris, among other tourism operators, will be shown during the Expo,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“Mobilisation and engagement of the private sector continues, with a number of companies having already contributed towards the Zimbabwe Pavilion Retail Store namely Tanganda Tea Company, Patrick Mavros, Adam Bede, Cairns Foods, Mr Sauce and Copper Ware, while Schweppes and National Foods pledged to contribute perishable products.

“ZimTrade is working with ZIDA (the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency), ZNCC (Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and CZI (Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries) in coming up with information on trade and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, project proposals from companies as well a prospectus which will be displayed in the Zimbabwe Pavilion.”

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is also mobilising the private sector in the mining industry to participate at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

In terms of content production, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has mobilised media houses to help with the communication strategy. 

Minister Mutsvangwa said 13 out of 30 media houses, including ZBC and Zimpapers, have been engaged through a competitive tender process. 

“The communication products to be produced by the companies include information and communication material, audio videos, jingles for pre, during and post duration of the expo in order to profile the opportunities found in the country,” she said.