AS this year’s Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) which opened on Wednesday this week continues, we want to reflect on the history and importance of this event.
It is interesting to note that what is now known as Zambia International Trade Fair started in 1956 as an annual Northern Rhodesia Show.
The show became a national event on Zambia’s attainment of independence in 1964, after developing its international character with the widening of its scope and activities.
It then earned itself the name, the Zambia International Trade Fair.
The Zambia International Trade Fair, which shares the acronym ZITF with that of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, is a general exhibition of all types of goods and services.
It draws its participants from manufacturers, agents, merchants, service organisations, financial institutions, transporters, the public sector and private institutions in the country, the region and
beyond.
We further note that this year’s trade fair, which is the 52nd edition, has attracted a record 531 exhibitors.
This is despite the reduction in the number of the local exhibitors to 430 from 470 recorded last year.
All in all, this is no mean achievement given the backdrop of global economic challenges against which this year’s event is being held.
Definitely, the organisers of the 52nd ZITF which Mozambican President Felipe Nyusi is expected to officially open this weekend, the Zambian Government and other relevant players deserve special
commendation for the feat achieved.
It has drawn exhibitors from Botswana, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Pakistan, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and neighbouring Zimbabwe.
For exhibitors from these countries – some of them from outside the continent – to turn up shows that they expect economic gains as a result of their participation.
This is due to the conducive business environment in the country.
In comparison to past years, the trade fair management seems to have this year done a more laudable job in as far as preparations and upgrading of the facilities are concerned.
ZITF management has reportedly through the Road Development Agency (RDA) tarred the entire road network within its confines and constructed a ring road that will reduce congestion at the peak of the
event.
Renovations of the exhibitors’ halls as well as the extension of the boundary hall to accommodate more exhibitors and traders are other positive steps taken to improve the situation.
We equally note that at the side of the show, ZITF will be hosting some business interactions intended to provide opportunities for exhibitors, visitors and audiences to discuss topical economic issues.
Another positive move is the hosting of a multi-sector delegation from China, which is expected to have meetings with local entrepreneurs on how best they can create business linkages.
Generally, a trade fair is an exhibition avenue for organisations and individuals to showcase and demonstrate their products and services as well as meet with industry partners and customers.
Fairs like the ZITF, are used to study activities of rivals, and examine recent market trends as well as opportunities.
We, therefore, challenge participants, both local and foreign ones, to take advantage of this avenue and enhance their business outlook through this year’s trade fair. Opinion