Business / Economy
South African tycoon snubs Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
03 May 2011 at 12:45hrs | Views
Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly snubbed an invitation to be the guest of honour at this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) being held in Bulawayo.
The independent Radio VOP is reporting that ZITF bosses refused to comment on the "sensitive' issue and only said Ramaphosa was "busy" and could not attend.
It is reported that Johnny Smith, Chief Executive of Walvis Bay Corridor from Namibia has replaced the South African business tycoon and former ANC Secretary General.
There is also a suggestion in the report that Ramaphosa had never agreed to be the guest of honour and that in fact the advertisement was sent out "prematurely".
The annual trade fair has been struggling over the past decade because of the country's bad investment image fuelled dominantly by human rights abuses and lack of respect for property rights by the Mugabe regime.
The trade showcase, running from today until Saturday, has attracted hundreds of multi-sectoral local exhibitors seeking to create synergies with regional and international investors - by taking advantage of the country's economic rebound.
Vice-President Joice Mujuru is expected to attend the conference, with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai giving an insight to some of the challenges Zimbabwe is currently facing in trying to attract foreign direct investment.
The independent Radio VOP is reporting that ZITF bosses refused to comment on the "sensitive' issue and only said Ramaphosa was "busy" and could not attend.
It is reported that Johnny Smith, Chief Executive of Walvis Bay Corridor from Namibia has replaced the South African business tycoon and former ANC Secretary General.
The annual trade fair has been struggling over the past decade because of the country's bad investment image fuelled dominantly by human rights abuses and lack of respect for property rights by the Mugabe regime.
The trade showcase, running from today until Saturday, has attracted hundreds of multi-sectoral local exhibitors seeking to create synergies with regional and international investors - by taking advantage of the country's economic rebound.
Vice-President Joice Mujuru is expected to attend the conference, with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai giving an insight to some of the challenges Zimbabwe is currently facing in trying to attract foreign direct investment.
Source - Byo24News
