AT least 70 potential exhibitors were turned away from the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) due to shortage of space, it has emerged.
Organisers of the country’s premier trade exhibition, which ends tomorrow with the expected official opening by Kenyan President William Ruto, said more 600 exhibitors participated at this year’s fair.
They also revealed that 159 of the exhibitors were new traders, while 26 countries participating for the first time at the fair.
ZITF board chairman Busisa Moyo told the Connect Africa Symposium yesterday that exhibition accommodated “624 exhibitors, 159 new exhibitors and 26 new countries and about 70 exhibitors were turned away due to shortage of space”.
Moyo also announced the postponement of today’s official opening to tomorrow saying President Ruto had failed to travel due to weather challenges in East Africa where heavy rains were pounding the region, with news reports indicating that at least 155 people have died in Tanzania as torrential rains linked to El Niño-triggered flooding and landslides.
“The official opening of the ZITF has been postponed to Saturday 27 at 10am, due to the weather conditions faced by the guest of honour who is to open the exhibition,” he said.
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Moyo hoped that exhibitors who had planned to travel after the official opening would stay for the official opening.
“We apologise for that change. However, I am aware that some had made plans to leave tomorrow, if you can stay, we would really appreciate it,” he said.
Other activities, including President Emmerson Mnanagwa’s tour of stands, are, however, expected to go ahead today.