ZITF breathes life into Bulawayo economy

Gibson Mhaka

EVERY edition of the premier trade showcase, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) brings a big buzz that is easily felt in every corner of the City of Kings and Queens and surrounding areas. 

So big and important is the momentous international trade event which roared into life on Tuesday and ends on Saturday such that Bulawayo residents equate it to the festive season.

To Bulawayo residents ZITF is undoubtedly a “living symbol” which economically and socially transforms their lives.

For Bulawayo companies such as Fluid Air, a relatively young hydraulics and pneumatics enterprise, there is no better stage to show the world what they are capable of. 

Founded two years ago by one James Mapfumo, he only hopes his exhibition will bear fruit.

“It is my first time here. As a young company we thought that if big mining entities and anyone else who need hydraulics technology see what we do it will go a long way in boosting our business. We are a Bulawayo company and this is our platform to meet the world,” he said.

This year’s edition has more international interest compared to last year and it’s good for local companies.

“Some international exhibitors have come to see what we do and they have suggestions on how we can move forward because developed countries have better technology we can fish from,” Mapfumo said.

A survey by B-Metro revealed that the international trade event blesses Bulawayo residents as one of the few occasions that brings together people of diverse interests and pursuits, turned out to be a family amusement event where local residents can mix business with pleasure.

Accordingly, enterprising residents create side events not directly related to the trade event but still running with the event’s theme.

This year’s edition of the ZITF is running under the theme: “Propagating Industrial Growth through Trade and Investment” and it came at a time when the Government is intensifying programmes towards economic recovery and growth in tune with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.

In separate interviews with B-Metro residents confirmed that ZITF was indeed a family event that Zimbabweans and visitors from all walks of life enjoy.

Mrs Agnes Moyo from Entumbane suburb said ZITF was a momentous occasion and a welcome development in the life of Bulawayo as it afforded them an opportunity to witness diverse entertainment activities adding that her family never misses the international trade event. 

“My family never misses Trade Fair. My kids seem to love this time of the year because there is so much entertainment for them to enjoy. The biggest attraction is at the main arena where there would be drum majorettes and police treating spectators with their breathtaking displays and acrobatics,” said Mrs Moyo.

She said the trade event also affords parents an opportunity to cement their bond with their children by taking them to the Luna Park.

“As parents Trade Fair also helps us to cement our relationship with our children by taking them to Luna Park where they enjoy joy rides and sweetness, the roller coasters, big jets, jumbo jets, big wheel, candy floss and boats,” said Mrs Moyo. 

Mr Thabani Maphosa said besides being an international trade event which also boosts business in the city, ZITF was also an event which brings glamour to the country’s artistic powerhouse.

“This trade event means a lot to people in Bulawayo as it boosts not only business in the country but it also brings humour and glamour to the peaceful life in our beautiful city. To us it is just like a major holiday like Easter on our city calendar as it helps to economically and socially transform many locals’ lives.

“Some parents have shelved plans to go to their rural areas with their children when schools close for their first term with the aim of taking them to Trade Fair,” he said.

The city fathers, also in the name of maintaining and sprucing up the image of the city, embarked on a major facelift of the city by repairing “pot holed” roads and malfunctioning traffic lights.

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