By Jack Mwewa

THE 2015 Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) themed, “Prosperity Through Business Reforms and Linkages,” open gates today.
This year’s Trade Fair, the 51st edition trails the Golden Jubilee anniversary commemorated last year with the theme, “Showcasing 50
years of Business and Transformation and Development.”
Like last year, more than 400 local and international exhibitors have confirmed participation to show case their products and increase
exports to the international market.
With President Edgar Lungu having weaved cordial international relations, this year’s fair will be graced by Kenyan President Uhuru
Kenyatta.
Who could have been a timely guest of honour at such a time than Kenyatta, himself a finance, trade and commerce expert?
President Lungu, too has already officiated at such a fair, when he graced the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair early this year.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe, recently described this year’s
commemoration in two folds.
“This year’s trade fair will not only provide an opportunity to celebrate past achievements, but also a platform for us to position
yourself for the next 50 years.”
Ms Mwanakatwe says this year’s trade fair will be a mechanism for which business houses and Government can come together and build from past experiences for a better future.
“Let us use the Fair as a mechanism for which business houses and Government can come together and build on our past experiences for a future we all want for Zambia,” she said.
In an apparent adherence to late President Michael Sata’s concern over the trade fair infrastructure, K2.5 million has so far been invested in the refurbishment of the grounds and purchase of major equipment.
The disclosure was made by ZITF general manager Alex Mayeya.
“K2.5 million has been invested in the refurbishment of the trade fair grounds and purchase of major equipment.
“Government is working very hard to ensure that the trade fair is modernised. We are working very hard and we will continue to do so to perfect the trade fair,” he said.
With such development, those visiting this year’s trade fair, either as exhibitors or patrons, should expect a patched up and mordenised surrounding.
One noticeable development is the road network inside the trade fair which is well done, a move that will address the dusty grounds concerns raised in the past.

Relevance
From time immemorial, trade fairs have been designed as an exhibition stage organised for companies, individual traders and manufacturers to showcase and demonstrate their products and services.
Trade fairs have also been used to assess activities of rival firms, examine modern market trends and opportunities.
Because of the competitive aspect of such exhibitions, participants are compelled to set up and showcase their best shots.
ZITF qualifies its relevance with a Mission Statement:
“To be a premier forum which promotes trade, investment and a platform of choice, and also accord organisations in and outside Zambia to showcase their products and services with a view to creating sustainable partnerships for wealth creation.”

Business reforms
Exhibitors will translate this year’s theme as a passage to redefine and enhance the way of doing business.
This will be highlighted through business forum interactions in the fields of investment, tourism, energy, transport, banking, financing and marketing.
As the trend has been in the past, ZITF board chairperson Emmanuel Hachipuka invited the business community and other interested parties
to participate in the business forum to be held on the sidelines.
“We reorganised the forum to make them relevant to business and trade.
The reform forum will have various themes related to fields of
investments, tourism, energy, transport, banking and marketing,” Mr Hachipuka said.

Business linkages
In this world dubbed global village where the world has been opened through social and business networking, interaction and exchange of
ideas underscores the need for business linkages.
Hwange Colliery, a coal mining industry from Zimbabwe is one of the international companies participating with a view to link up operations with local cement companies.
A traditional business and distribution centre, Ndola, which has been hosting this annual event for the past 50 years proves to be centrally
located for trade undertakings.
It was not by coincident that Zambia’s founding leaders referred to Ndola as the national commercial and distribution centre.

Entertainment
As it has been said already that, “All work, no play makes Jack a dull boy,” or say “Mixing business with fun,” trade fair is not short of
fun.
A full package of popular Zambian artistes ranging from JK, Dan Kaya, Dandy Crazy, Mampi, Suwilanji, Malembe Malembe will be complemented by
a cultural group from Kenya.
South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest is also lined up for the show.
Mr Mayeya said; “We have invited the whole range of entertainment package, JK is coming, Dan Kaya, Dandy Crazy, Mampi, Suwilanji, Marky 2,
Afunika, Chef, Liseli Sisters, and a Kenyan cultural troupe.”
There will also be comedy, local cultural groups, children’s face painting, mini train rides and jumping castle among others.

Order
Apart from motor vehicle traffic, previous shows have recorded minimal disorderly behaviour from patrons and, therefore, the 500 Zambia Police officers deployed at this year’s trade fair will be enough to maintain peace.
“We have been informed that more than 500 police officers have been deployed to ensure law and order prevails during the event,” Mr
Hachipuka said

Expectations
From the exhibitors local and international, school-going children can also pick up lessons to consolidate class room teachings.
It is during such trade fairs when school children and other learners get to have hands on experience by getting into physical contact with things they only learn about.
At the time of this write up, 450 exhibitors had already confirmed participation at this year’s trade fair, 26 of them being foreign.
Building up from last year’s 91 foreign participants, 453 local exhibitors and 90,055 visitors, this year’s fair is poised for increased participation.
At the end of it all, it is hoped that the idea of hosting the trade fair meant to promote trade and investment will be fulfilled.