ZITF to hike stands rentals by 20%

THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) company is set to hike booking rates for exhibitors by 20 % with effect from April 1.

The 56th edition of the country's premier trade show runs under the theme "Stimulating Trade, Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Growth" from April 28-May 2.

 In a notice on Friday, the trade exhibition firm said the March 31 discount will be dropped.

"With two weeks to go, have you booked your stand?

"Just a friendly reminder that the early bird discount flies away on 31 March 2015.

"Stand rental fees will go up by 20% on 1 April,".

This year's edition will be officially opened by newly elected Zambian President Edgar Lungu.

Germany, India, Malawi, Mozambique, Pakistan, Poland and South Africa are some of the countries that have so far confirmed their participation at this year's show and Ndlovu last month indicated that enquiries had come from other European and Asian countries.

Last year, 19 countries, including the United States, which had not set foot at ZITF for 10 years, and close to 400 firms participated.

China was the biggest exhibitor in 2014 occupying more than 1 000m2 up from 600m2 in 2013, but there were no major companies; just small-to-medium enterprises.