News / Local
ZITF official opening - Updates
29 Apr 2016 at 15:53hrs | Views
Proceedings are underpay at the ZITF grounds in Bulawayo where the 57th edition of the fair is to be officially opened by Togolese President Faure Gnassinbe.
President Robert Mugabe who arrived in Bulawayo earlier today for the official opening, was met at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport by the two vice presidents, Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, senior government officials and service chiefs.
16:31 - After officially opening the fair, President Gnassinbe presents awards to outstanding exhibitors at the fair.
16:30 - President Gnassinbe urges Zimbabweans to remain resilient in the face of western imposed economic sanctions, saying Togo has also been through that phase.
16:20 - President Gnassinbe: "There is need for innovation through research, investing in technology, education, prioritising public private partnerships (PPPs) and through funding agricultural activities in rural areas to reduce poverty and uplift the livelihoods of all African people."
16:19 - President Gnassinbe calls for increased trade among African countries, urging fellow African states to investment more on value addition.
16:18 - He calls on African states to integrate and by-pass artificial borders created by the colonialists, which are hindering trade and development on the continent. He says in West Africa, there is a railway line linking Dakar (Senegal) and Lagos (Nigeria), adding that African states should learn from such a development to increase integration and linkages.
16:15 - President Gnassinbe takes to the podium and is delivering his address, he notes the cordial relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Togo.
16:11 - Cde Bimha requests the honour of the Togolese President to officially open the trade showcase.
16:03 -Industry and Commerce Minister, Cde Mike Bimha takes to the podium.
15:56 - Mr Nkomo welcomes President Mugabe who is ZITF patron and his Togolese counterpart, President Gnassinbe to the 57th edtion of the ZITF. He says it is important for the country to be more innovative in order to industrialise.
15:55 - Mr Bhekithemba Nkomo, the ZITF President takes to the podium and invites 'Prophet' Bothwell Phiri to pray.
15:49 - The guard of honour marches and off the arena.
15:33 - President Gnassinbe inspects Guard of Honour mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
15:31 - singing of the national anthem and flypast by Airforce of Zimbabwe jets.
15:09 - after touring various stands, the guest of honour President Gnassinbe and president Mugabe have arrived in the main arena for the official opening.
14:15 - A total of 19 countries including Russia, Botswana, Cyprus, China, Ethiopia Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Poland, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia are taking part in this year's ZITF.
President Robert Mugabe who arrived in Bulawayo earlier today for the official opening, was met at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport by the two vice presidents, Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, senior government officials and service chiefs.
16:31 - After officially opening the fair, President Gnassinbe presents awards to outstanding exhibitors at the fair.
16:30 - President Gnassinbe urges Zimbabweans to remain resilient in the face of western imposed economic sanctions, saying Togo has also been through that phase.
16:20 - President Gnassinbe: "There is need for innovation through research, investing in technology, education, prioritising public private partnerships (PPPs) and through funding agricultural activities in rural areas to reduce poverty and uplift the livelihoods of all African people."
16:19 - President Gnassinbe calls for increased trade among African countries, urging fellow African states to investment more on value addition.
16:18 - He calls on African states to integrate and by-pass artificial borders created by the colonialists, which are hindering trade and development on the continent. He says in West Africa, there is a railway line linking Dakar (Senegal) and Lagos (Nigeria), adding that African states should learn from such a development to increase integration and linkages.
16:15 - President Gnassinbe takes to the podium and is delivering his address, he notes the cordial relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Togo.
16:03 -Industry and Commerce Minister, Cde Mike Bimha takes to the podium.
15:56 - Mr Nkomo welcomes President Mugabe who is ZITF patron and his Togolese counterpart, President Gnassinbe to the 57th edtion of the ZITF. He says it is important for the country to be more innovative in order to industrialise.
15:55 - Mr Bhekithemba Nkomo, the ZITF President takes to the podium and invites 'Prophet' Bothwell Phiri to pray.
15:49 - The guard of honour marches and off the arena.
15:33 - President Gnassinbe inspects Guard of Honour mounted by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
15:31 - singing of the national anthem and flypast by Airforce of Zimbabwe jets.
15:09 - after touring various stands, the guest of honour President Gnassinbe and president Mugabe have arrived in the main arena for the official opening.
14:15 - A total of 19 countries including Russia, Botswana, Cyprus, China, Ethiopia Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Poland, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia are taking part in this year's ZITF.
Source - zbc