Aberdeen City snub ZITF

Bulawayo city council long standing twin city - Aberdeen of Scotland would not be exhibiting at this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair due to financial constraints.

Acting BCC Economic Development Brian Hlongwane today said Aberdeen economy is  currently affected by the depressed oil industry hence it would not be participating.

"ZITF 2015 Theme is "CoB facilitating trade and investment" drawn from the ZITF theme "Stimulating Trade, Seizing the opportunities to accelerate growth ".

"Twin cities of Aberdeen, EThekwini and Polokwane have been invited.

"Aberdeen economy currently affected by the depressed oil industry" he said.

Aberdeen and Zimbabwe were twinned in 1986 and though the link has been fairly dormant for several years, however Bulawayo has recently expressed an interest in reinvigorating it.

 However, Hlongwane said EThekwini and Polokwane of South Africa are participating.

" The two RSA cities have been encouraged to bring along representatives of their business chambers so that they  can dialogue with their local counterparts and establish meaningful business relationships.

"Attend the International Business Conference to get a better appreciation of the investment climate,".

Hotels and lodges in Bulawayo are now fully booked for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) set for April 28 to May 2.

Exhibitors usually book well in advance of the trade fair and by the beginning of April there would be no room for accommodation.

This year's exhibition will run under the theme "Simulating Trade: Seizing opportunities to accelerate growth"