Mnangagwa’s full address at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, as the new Patron of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, I welcome you all to the 59th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, ZITF 2018.

This annual premier event brings together industrialists, traders and potential investors from within Zimbabwe, across Africa and the rest of the world for business networking and exploration of trade and investment opportunities.

ZITF, is thus, a showcase of the entire economic spectrum from the production stage to the marketing of a wide array of products and services in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, ICT, tourism, education, infrastructure and energy, among others.

This Fair, therefore, fosters inclusive and all-encompassing perspective to the economy in general, as it enhances inter-connected linkages between the various sectors of our economy.

Allow me to warmly appreciate all the distinguished exhibitors, visitors and invited guests for gracing this grand event.

It is encouraging that the ZITF is growing bigger and better, as evidenced by the high number and quality of exhibitions at this year’s event.

Your decision to exhibit and visit this year’s Fair is not only testimony of the heightened optimism you have in the future of our country, but equally shows the tenacity and value your business organisations accord to the centralised networking that this forum provides.

I am confident that you will discover clients, generate new leads, accelerate relationships, and build sales linkages, as well as being able to conclude deals at this year’s event.

I wish to commend and congratulate the ZITF Company, the organisers of this premier event, for a job well done.

This year’s edition of the ZITF which runs under the theme “Sustainable Industrial Development: Inclusive-Competitive-Collaborative”, resonates well with my Government’s economic thrust which prioritises industrialisation and modernisation as fundamental aspects to sustainable economic growth as envisaged in our Vision 2030.

We are encouraged by the overwhelming response and sense of belief in this achievable vision.

To attain this vision, to have Zimbabwe become a middle-income country by 2030, decent jobs, broad-based empowerment, increased investments, free from poverty and corruption, certainly requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

Government, on its part is implementing a plethora of reform measures to increase the viability and competitiveness of business across all sectors.

In addition, my administration recognises the need for a comprehensive approach to attract both domestic and foreign investment in the quest to leapfrog our economy to be one of the most industrialised economies in Africa.

Hence, on the domestic front, mechanisms are in place to support the resuscitation, retooling, expansion and modernisation of various industries, through fiscal and monetary incentives; the mobilisation of concessionary long-term financing and continuous improvement of the business environment.

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