By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –

THE 88th edition of the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show (ZACS) opened its gates to the public in Lusaka yesterday with some companies still putting final touches to their stands.

The Agriculture and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ) has spent about K11.3 million on preparations for this year’s show.

The show is aimed at giving an opportunity to the local and international exhibitors to showcase their various products and services to the public.

This year’s main theme is ‘Breaking New Grounds’, while the sub-theme is ‘Commemorating 50 years of Zambia’s Independence’.

The organisers said as Zambia celebrated its 50 years anniversary, a number of companies would thrive to break new grounds.

On the first day of the show, only a few companies had displayed their products and attending to the members of the public, while some were still tidying up their wares at the stands.

National Milling Corporation, National Council for Construction (NCC), Afil Engineering, ZCCM-Investment Holdings and Energy Regulation Board (ERB) are some of stands that were found still being painted or preparing for the show-goers.

On the other hand, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, MTN, and National Housing Authority were already attending to the clients.

ACSZ president Murray Sunderson said all was set for the show despite some companies struggling to finish setting up of their stands.

Mr Sunderson said about 20 foreign companies had confirmed participation, including those from Egypt, India, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, China, Pakistan, Japan, Tanzania, Germany and Ghana.

Others are from Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi.

He said the Society had deployed more than 1,000 police officers, engaged seven private security firms , 200 cadets and 100 scouts tobeef up security.