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UPDATES: Bulawayo Bureau ONLINE EDITOR: Costa Mano

1544: That concludes our updates. Thank you for joining.

1541: ZITF officials now invite the President to present trophies to exhibitors that excelled in the various competitions.

1540: President ends by declaring the trade fair officially opened and wishes businesses well as they engage in various deals during the trade showcase.

1539: “I order our officials at our borders such as Zimra to change their work ethic otherwise they need not be there. I am certain the standard of living will be enhanced as our economy continues to improve. Hence let us all work together as we make efforts in reviving this our economy,”

1535: “My Government is making efforts to increase the availability of utilities like water and electricity which we know are key drivers to our industrialisation drive. My Government is cognisant of trading beyond borders and congestion at our borders which is highly negative. We are in the process of modernising our borders.”

1532: “The designation of special economic zones is ongoing. I challenge local businesses to play their part and take advantage of the various facilities which my Government is putting in place. Related to this, I call on the city of Bulawayo to think big as they push to revive the city’s industrial sector. Further, I commend the expansion plans which have been forwarded by the ZITF company,”

1529: “We mean business and we realise that action speaks louder than words. My Government will not tolerate any form of public lethargy, bottle necks and corruption. Anyone who will be seen frustrating our efforts will fall by the wayside. We will constantly engage stakeholders to further improve our efforts. My administration will continue to ensure that Zimbabwe is a safe country to invest and do business in,”

1526: “This year’s edition of the ZITF resonates well with my Government’s economic thrust which is industrialisation and modernisation as envisaged by our vision. To achieve this vision, we need a collaborative approach. We recognise that we cannot do it alone hence we are on a reengagement drive to attract Foreign Direct Investment through the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra,”

1522: “On behalf of the Government and indeed on my own behalf I welcome you all to this trade showcase. ZITF is a showcase of the entire economic spectrum, which enhances linkeages. It is encouraging that ZITF is growing bigger and better. Your decision to exhibit is testimony of the confidence we have in the growth of the country’s economy. I wish to commend ZITF company for a job well done,”

1517: President Mnangagwa is now on the podium.

1515: “I am honoured today to introduce President Mnangagwa who has dedicated his life to free us from economic bondage. He has proven to be a man of his words emphasising his mantra Zimbabwe is open for business. Among his top priorities is the industrialisation of Zimbabwe. Today we are honoured to have this great visionary among us today,” Dr Bimha says as makes way for President Mnangagwa.

1515: Dr Bimha says the ZITF provides an opportunity for dialogue among stakeholders to provide solutions to some of the country’s challenges.

“The fair also assists companies to engage and create contacts among themselves which will lead to us fulfilling the mantra, Zimbabwe is open for business,”

1510: Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Minister Dr Mike Bimha takes to the podium to give his remarks after which he will invite the guest of honour, President Mnangagwa to give the keynote address.

1509: “The drive is to increase capacity utilisation of this exhibition centre as we continue in our strides to grow and further market this city of Bulawayo. We will be approaching Government to request the granting of special economic zone status for ZITF as we feel this is well deserved,”

Mrs Ncube ends her speech by emphasising that ZITF is open for business

1506: “The ZITF company is on a positive trajectory and we can assure you that this year’s trade fair is bigger and better, space occupancy this year increased by 6%. We are appreciative of the guidance and leadership provided by our parent minister Dr Mike Bimha. Plans are on course for infrastructure development to build an integrated infrastructure as we have noted that each year we continue to grow,”

1501: “President we honour and thank you for the strides you have made in the reengagement efforts as this has seen a change in attitude which makes this year’s trade fair bigger and better. You have made popular your mantra, Zim is open for business, of which we are saying indeed ZITF is open for business,” she says.

1447: As the official programme begins the chairperson of ZITF Ms Ruth Ncube takes to the podium to give opening remarks

1455: President Mnangagwa now leaves the Saluting Dais taking his place at the President’s box as Pastor Mhlophe from the Seventh Day Adventist church leads everyone in prayer.

1447: Parade Commander is now requesting permission from the Commander in Chief to march past and off the arena, permission which is granted by President Mnangagwa.

1435: President Mnangagwa is now proceeding to inspect the guard of honour escorted by the Commander ZDF Lt Gen PV Sibanda.

1433: The guard commander is now inviting the President to inspect the guard of honour.

President Mnangagwa sings the National Anthem standing on the Saluting Dais

1431: The National Anthem is now being sung to mark the start of the official proceedings. As the National Anthem is sung there is a fly past which is one of the honours accorded to the President.

1428: President Mnangagwa has arrived.

President Mnangagwa arrives

1420: VP Chiwenga has arrived at the main arena followed by the First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa. We now await the arrival of the guest of honour, President Mnangagwa.

1413: Chief Justice Luke Malaba has arrived at the main arena.

1405: Service chiefs now making their way into the main arena, being led by Commander ZDF Lt Gen PV Sibanda.

ZRP Commissioner General Godwin Matanga (Centre) arrives

1345: The ZDF parade is now marching into the main arena.

1346: We have shifted to the ZITF main arena where President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 59th edition of the trade fair. Dignitaries are slowly making their way into the arena awaiting the arrival of the VVIPs.

1228: President Mnangagwa has finished his tour. We will continue our updates at 2pm, the scheduled time for the official opening.

1216: First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa has finished her tour.

1125: Running under the theme: “Sustainable Industrial Development — Inclusive, Competitive, and Collaborative,” the international expo kicked off on Tuesday with a packed business programme of top-level engagement in what organisers described as the “biggest” international trade showcase in decades.

1124: The President is now at the Zanu-PF stand. Party chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, is now taking the President through the stand.

1058: President Mnangagwa is now at the National Foods stand. Meanwhile, The Wattle company donated trusses for a classroom block and as well as charcoal to His Excellency.

President Mnangagwa at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society stand

1051: First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa is also here and is touring the stands with Women and Youth Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni.

First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa leaves the National Aids Council X-Ray booth

1032: President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds and has started touring exhibitor stands. He is accompanied by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Minister of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Mike Bimha. President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the fair later today. It is the first time that the President is officiating at ZITF as the Head of State following the resignation of former President Mr Robert Mugabe last year.