This year’s ZimTrade Pavilion at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was a hub of excellence for business meetings.
Running under the theme ‘Sustainable Export Growth through Industrial Development’, the Pavilion was also host to six SMEs who have high export potential.
Preparations for the flagship Zimbabwean trade expo started months in advance with the six participants being certified in the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness programme. They were trained in modules such as Effective Trade Fair Participation, Identifying Markets, Branding and Competitive Intelligence, to ensure effective participation and a good return on investment.
Shriji Luggageware, a company that manufactures a variety of branded suitcases and bags reported doing brisk business under the ZimTrade Pavilion.
“We’ve had excellent exposure with all the right people,” said Chipo Dube, Shriji’s Corporate Sales Executive.
“We have had interest from buyers in Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and other countries. The profile of our brand has risen a lot due to our presence here.”
Mary Fillanino from Nnino Ceramics, who produce hand-made ceramics said that by participating under the ZimTrade Pavilion her expectations were met.
“My dream in creating Nnino Ceramics was to promote Zimbabwean sculptors and painters. ZimTrade’s support in preparing for and participating at ZITF has been excellent and prepared me well for the many promising inquiries we received during the Fair,” she said. During the visit of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Filanino presented him with his portrait that was painted onto a large serving dish.
In addition to President Mnangagwa, visitors to the stand included Vice President Constantine Chiwenga, Minister of Industry Commerce and Enterprise Development, Dr. Mike Bimha, and Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Industry Commerce and Enterprise Development, Mrs. Abigail Shoniwa.
During the Show, ZimTrade also hosted a meeting between the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and multinational food and beverages giant, Varun Beverages, who own the Pepsi franchise in Zimbabwe, among others. Discussions focused on investments and how to improve regional value chains for the food and beverages, education, and health care sectors.
ZimTrade Acting CEO, Allan Majuru, expressed satisfaction that the objectives of participating in the trade show had been surpassed.
“There were too many highlights to mention at this year’s show. Overall, the event was very well organised – indicative of the recent ISO certification of the ZITF Company. ZimTrade is also ISO certified and we know that it’s a tough but crucial journey. We applaud the efforts of ZITF Company Chairperson, Ruth Ncube and the whole team that made this happen. The results are plain for everyone to see and as ZimTrade, it assisted us to exceed our targets for the Fair.”
Publish Date: Wednesday 09 May 2018
