News / Local
Zambian President officially opens ZITF 2012
27 Apr 2012 at 07:08hrs | Views
Zambian President Michael Sata has officially opened the 53rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, which he hailed as an organised exhibition.
In his address, President Sata said the theme for this year's ZITF, which is 'Investing Locally, Reaping Globally' is appropriate as it helps the nation build products that are competitive regionally and internationally.
He underscored the need for Zimbabwean and Zambian companies to co-operate in order to strengthen and expand relations between the two countries.
He said it is therefore important for local entreprenuers to add value to their products as this is an integral part in cementing trade between the two countries.
The Zambia leader emphasised the important role played by agriculture in the economies of the two neighbours, urging stakeholders to carry out and promote research in the sector to guarantee food security.
"Allow me to challenge companies here present to be more innovative and facilitate advancements that will enhance quality products for various markets," he said.
He added: "Our two nations are endowed with fertile soil and have the capability to be breadbaskets of Africa and the world. It is therefore imperative to address challenges in the agricultural sector."
"We need also to explore and incorporate new technologies for our products to compete regionally and internationally. That is why Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed various Memoranda of Understanding to foster co-operation."
President Sata invited Zimbabwean companies to participate at the Zambia Trade Fair and the Agricultural Show which will be held in June and August this year respectively.
Zimbabwe-Zambia relations date back to the days of the independence struggles of both countries and have grown from strength to strength, with both being members of regional grouping, SADC.
Zambia is Zimbabwe's fourth largest trading partner.
President Sata arrived in Bulawayo on Thursday accompanied by the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe, First Ladies Amai Grace Mugabe and Dr Christine Kaseba, Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John L. Nkomo, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, Senate President Edna Madzongwe and senior government officials.
In his address, President Sata said the theme for this year's ZITF, which is 'Investing Locally, Reaping Globally' is appropriate as it helps the nation build products that are competitive regionally and internationally.
He underscored the need for Zimbabwean and Zambian companies to co-operate in order to strengthen and expand relations between the two countries.
He said it is therefore important for local entreprenuers to add value to their products as this is an integral part in cementing trade between the two countries.
The Zambia leader emphasised the important role played by agriculture in the economies of the two neighbours, urging stakeholders to carry out and promote research in the sector to guarantee food security.
"Allow me to challenge companies here present to be more innovative and facilitate advancements that will enhance quality products for various markets," he said.
"We need also to explore and incorporate new technologies for our products to compete regionally and internationally. That is why Zambia and Zimbabwe have signed various Memoranda of Understanding to foster co-operation."
President Sata invited Zimbabwean companies to participate at the Zambia Trade Fair and the Agricultural Show which will be held in June and August this year respectively.
Zimbabwe-Zambia relations date back to the days of the independence struggles of both countries and have grown from strength to strength, with both being members of regional grouping, SADC.
Zambia is Zimbabwe's fourth largest trading partner.
President Sata arrived in Bulawayo on Thursday accompanied by the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe, First Ladies Amai Grace Mugabe and Dr Christine Kaseba, Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and John L. Nkomo, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, Senate President Edna Madzongwe and senior government officials.
Source - Zbc
