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The Herald, May 4, 1981
The ZIMBABWE International Trade Fair has been a resounding success, both in terms of business and future prospects, the General Manager of the Fair, Mr Graham Rowe, said yesterday.

Speaking before the closing ceremony of the Fair, at which the Mayor of Bulawayo, Councillor Mike Constandinos officiated, Mr Rowe said response to the 10-day event had been “fantastic”.

“From the exhibitors’ point of view, the buyers, and from our own in terms of paying visitors, the fair has exceeded our expectations.

“I have no firm idea of the value of business done in the past few days, but it must run into several millions and be far above last year’s figure.”

He said that most foreign buyers had been very satisfied with business done, particularly with the amount of good local contacts made for possible future deals.

Zimbabwe firms had concluded a considerable number of business deals, especially with African countries.

Orders for Zimbabwean products had ranged from raw materials and agricultural goods to fully manufactured items, particularly foodstuffs.

“The Fair has been a great success and will be improved upon even more next year,” said Mr Rowe.

“What is particularly exciting is that our concept of the Fair becoming a regional centre for trading is echoed by the foreign exhibitors.

“Many have been enormously complimentary about the Fair and feel that it’s definitely the place for a regional show incorporating all the Central African States.

“They have praised both the facilities and the organisation and we feel confident that it will become the showpiece of the region.”

The majority of foreign exhibitors were making arrangements to take part in the next fair and several new exhibitors could be expected, he said.

Among the countries making plans to participate was China, which had sent the fair a letter at the start of the show expressing regret at its absence.

“Several others are also expected to exhibit in 1982, but it’s too early at this stage to reveal their names.”

Mr Rowe said many countries which exhibited this year planned to increase the size of their displays for 1982.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The ZITF is the country’s prime showcase and its return last week signals that the country is again “open for business”. It gives investors hope.

The 62nd edition of the ZITF, hosted 14 countries represented by 21 exhibitors, which is a vote of confidence in President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement developmental thrust. The Government should capitalise on this to ensure that the country attracts more investors.

The local business community should use platforms such as the ZITF to create synergies to expand the scope into the region and beyond as well as secure new markets.

It is also a platform for entrepreneurs and inventors in the country to come out of their shells and show what they can do. This year’s theme is so apt to this: “Rethink, Reimagine, Reinvent Value Chains for Sustainable Economic Development.”