By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
ABOUT 23 Zambian companies are exhibiting in this year’s 57th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
The 23 firms, from different sectors of the economy are part of the 390 companies taking part in the show under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Industrialise,”
Zambia’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe N’gona Chibesakunda is impressed with the quality of products being exhibited by Zambian companies participating at the trade fair.
Mr Chibesakunda expressed happiness after touring the Zambian Pavilion which included the Zambian Embassy in Zimbabwe, the Copperbelt University (CBU), and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) among others.
This is contained in a statement issued by ZDA manager communication and public relations Margaret Chimanse and made available to the Times in Lusaka at the weekend.
Mr Chibesakunda said the quality of products and the increased number of companies participating at this year’s ZITF was an indication that companies have made great strides in producing goods of the highest quality that can compete favourably in the region.
“The Zambian stand is very good with lots of products showing exactly what we are doing in the country and the efforts they are making in producing goods such as industrial shoes of various types and sizes,” Mr Chibesakunda said.
He urged Zimbabwean entrepreneurs who buy products from other sources to switch to the Zambian market, which was nearer saying that would be cheaper and more competitive for their businesses.
Mr Chibesakunda was further impressed with the information exhibited by CBU which was participating in the show for the first time.
He commended the CBU for introducing research in the curriculum adding that research was essential for development as it helped the country to adopt new methods in resolving challenges that set the country on a growth path.
Mr Chibesakunda further said Zambia and Zimbabwe shared a common history and called for greater collaboration for the development of the two countries especially through trade in all sectors.