ZITF deputy director No-ma Ndlovu confirmed that the two countries from leading emerging economies under Brics, will not be participating while Brazil will be exhibiting at the annual trade exhibition for the first time.
Brics is an international political organisation of leading emerging economies. “Russia and India were promising but they are no longer coming. We are pleased with the preparations because already 95% of the exhibition space has been taken up,” said Ndlovu, who however, could not give reasons why the two countries withdrew.
“Brazilian companies will be exhibiting for the first time at this year’s 53rd edition of the ZITF.” The 13 foreign countries that have confirmed their participation are Brazil, South Africa, China, Botswana, Iran, Poland, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Italy, Germany and Zambia.
Last year, not even a single country from the European Union (EU) took part at the ZITF and hopes were high this year that continued from more countries were going to take part.
This year’s trade exhibition runs from April 24 to 28 under the theme “Investing Locally, Reaping Globally”. Zambian President Michael Sata, is expected to officially open the trade showcase.
Other speakers include Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, government ministers, Africa Development Bank chief economist, Mthuli Ncube, Afro-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce director for international and institutional affairs, Carlos Cerqueria.
PTA Bank director for trade and finance, George Mudange and the European Union head of delegation in Zimbabwe, Ambassador Aldo Dell’ Africa, will also attend.
