International trade fair opens

The Zambia International Trade Fair yesterday opened its gates to the public with calls from the chairperson Phesto Musonda to the 618 official exhibitors and show-goers to make sure that they maximise the benefits at the country’s premier annual business event.

Mr Musonda said in an interview at the trade fair grounds the ZIFT management was impressed with the overwhelming response from both local and international investors.

He said most of the exhibitors’ stands and halls were filled and ready to be used by the exhibitors to host the show-goers.
[pullquote]“This year we have experienced a 20 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors participating at the show. The number of local exhibitors participating has increased from 400 last year to 519 this year while the number of foreign companies exhibiting is 99 while 82 companies showed up last year,” he said.
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The show opened yesterday for the business days, which will end on Friday in readiness for the official opening by President Rupiah Banda.

“This year we have experienced a 20 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors participating at the show. The number of local exhibitors participating has increased from 400 last year to 519 this year while the number of foreign companies exhibiting is 99 while 82 companies showed up last year,” he said.

Mr Musonda said local and foreign exhibitors and show-goers involved in various trade and tourism promotion activities were using the trade fair business days to enter into partnership and exchange business information.

“The business show which has started today will end on Friday with a special trade fair business seminar at the Presidential Pavilion.

“The seminar will deal with economic, policies and investment climate in Zambia at which Government organs such as the Bank of Zambia, Zambia Development Agency and Zambia Revenue Authority will make key note presentations,” he said.

The ZITF chairperson assured both the exhibitors and public that the show organisers would ensure there was security.

He said a number of leading local musicians and other entertainers from different parts of the country have been engaged to entertain show-goers.

[ Times of Zambia ]