Zambia Trade Fair Gets Underway

The Zambia International Trade Fair Trust (ZITFT) has started with 840 local and foreign exhibitors showcasing their goods and services.

The fair marks the 56th of its kind to take place in Zambia.

Chipoka Mulenga, Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry, started the fair by lighting the flame which will remain lit throughout the convention.

During a tour of the grounds, Mr Mulenga, explained that the fair reflects an opportunity for Zambians to unlock the country’s potential through the creation of high-value products.

The fair reflects the New Dawn Government’s commitment to trade and investment which has been top of the administration's manifesto since they came to office nearly a year ago.

The convention also reflects an opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with over 400 such companies taking part.

Mr Mulenga stated, “I want to commend the trade fair board and its trustees for standing up after two years of not holding the fair because of the Covid 19 pandemic that rocked the country and presented the country with its own challenges.”

The fair is officially due to open on Saturday but many vendors have already begun setting up their stalls.

The Board chairperson for ZITFT, Elizabeth Nkumbula, said that the fair had met its target number of exhibitors with plans to make the fair a more regular occurrence 

The fair reflects an important step for Zambian businesses, both large and small, as it will open firms up to markets previously inaccessible, growing the economy both on a micro and macro scale.

Photo: Lusaka Times