THE 57th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which ended yesterday pales into insignificance when compared to yesteryear fairs, but holds its own after meeting industry expectations, observers have noted.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
Running under the theme Innovate, Integrate and Industrialise, the 2016 edition attracted 390 direct exhibitors, compared to the closing total of 387 last year.
“The quality of exhibitors as well as that of the products was good. Preparedness of companies, I think it was very good. Companies were more well-organised than before in terms of marketing,” said the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce’s Bulawayo chapter chairperson, Crispen Mugova.
Mugova said they witnessed an increase in the number of buyers or people who were scouting for products visiting the fair.
He said the industry’s expectations were met, urging companies to make follow ups to realise more businesses.
Mugova, however, urged organisers of the event to improve on the issuing of tickets to buyers. He said the delay was killing the vibe to visit the fair.
Association for Business in Zimbabwe chief executive officer Lucky Mlilo said this year’s fair had improved compared to that held last year.
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“There were some improvements as we witnessed the coming in of exhibitors like Japan, Russia and Indonesia. That increased the standard of the fair. However, there is still need to improve in bringing in companies that are into manufacturing. We need that because at the moment, the industry is operating at a low capacity. As such, it will be nice to see them exhibiting,” Mlilo said.
Mlilo, however, noted that some companies were snubbing ZITF for the mining, engineering and transport fair (Mine Entra) and urged companies to attend both fairs. A tour of the ZITF grounds during the showcase, however, presented a glaring contrast to yesteryear exhibitions.
The first traders’ day was rather subdued, although visitors and exhibitors kept spirits high. An expectant ambience was definitely present and interviews at various company stands drew the call for patience.
“Everything went well and we got relevant people. What I can say is that the fair was well-organised and we commend the organisers for the job well-done,” as Reba Chemicals managing director Freddy Motau. Zimbabwe’s competitive advantage is at its lowest and the country has been described as a supermarket economy, importing finished goods from most, if not all, exhibiting nations. The number of Bulawayo companies that exhibited at the fair remained low, comprising just 28% of Zimbabwean participants as the local economy continues to struggle, according to ZITF chairman Bekithemba Nkomo. Nkomo said 63% of confirmed local exhibitors were from Harare, while 28% were from Bulawayo and the rest from other cities around the country. In 2014, 57% were from the capital city while the hosts provided 35%. Many large companies that formed the backbone of Bulawayo’s industry have either closed shop, liquidated or been placed under judiciary management. However, the government through the Industry and Commerce ministry, had been claiming that several companies were back on their feet. A survey conducted by the Standardbusiness, however, proved otherwise as some of the said companies did not show up at the trade fair, a sign they were still struggling. Such desertion of the former industrial hub has left it operating as a business basket case which depends on local and international products. As such, the ZITF presented Bulawayo companies with a tough task of competing against manufacturers of their merchandise. Having failed to forcefully represent the city at the showcase, analysts’ evaluation pointed at a slump in business in the central business district. The trade fair seemed to have also failed to provide entertainment to inspire people to spend their hard-earned cash. Some people who attended the show said there was nothing new. Mhlomuli Nkala said: “I only attended the trade fair this year because my children begged me to take them, but there was nothing new or anything to look forward to.” Nkala said he was disappointed that the significance of the event had been watered down to the extent of seemingly losing relevance. Economic analyst Reginald Shoko said in terms of occupancy, ZITF organisers did a sterling job, but more effort needed to be put on the quality of exhibits. “In terms of occupancy, they did a good job but in terms of business, I still believe they can do more,” he said. Shoko said at the business conferences, the organisers should have called government ministers to come and sit down to listen to the industry speak rather than for them to take the lead. “At business conferences, there should be resolutions, not what we witnessed whereby ministers come and present speeches prepared in their offices. They should come and sit down and listen to the industry presenting its problems,” he said. He urged organisers to bring more international players.
