500 Businesses to Show Case at Trade Fair

Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry permanent secretary Kayula Siame says over 500 renowned local and international business houses and entrepreneurs are this year expected to showcase their businesses at the 52nd edition of the Zambia International trade fair. Speaking when she led a team of officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and trade fair organizers in touring some local and international stands, Siame stated that 97 foreign exhibitors from 15 countries have since confirmed their participation. Siame confirmed that some of the foreign countries taking part in the International Trade fair include Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa, and the organizers predict an increase in the number of participants this week. Locally, 400 companies have already made their bookings showing and increase in the number of participants as opposed to previous records. The permanent secretary said that maintenance works are currently underway to ensure that the facilities are ready on time and that seventy five percent works have been done so far. The official opening of the 52nd edition of the International Trade Fair which this year is running under the theme ‘Enhanced value addition for job creation’ is set for July 2nd and will run from 29th of June to 5th of July 2016. This year’s theme places emphasis on the importance of value addition in processes, products and services for business transformation and sustainability. The international trade fair is expected to create opportunities for small scale business houses to have links to various sectors such as construction and agriculture in order for them to participate in production of goods and services.