The 50th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair roared into life in Bulawayo yesterday with local exhibitors focusing on economic revival, confidence and image building and how to get re-integrated into the international business arena.

Hundreds of exhibitors from at least 10 countries are participating at a time Zimbabwe has gone overdrive in reviving its economy through long and short-term business deals.

This year’s prime business exhibition has centred its exposition on deals that should shape the future roadmap for Zimbabwe, the reconstruction of the economy, perception management and international acceptance. Among the countries exhibiting are China, Indonesia, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya and Malawi.

In an interview yesterday, ZimTrade chief executive Mr Herbert Chakanyuka said the return of more international exhibitors was a sign of the acceptance of Zimbabwe’s endeavour to revive its economy.

“The participation of the more than 10 countries is in itself a sing of approval of what we are doing in Zimbabwe right now. The return of international exhibitors is a sign of big things to come. There were very few international exhibitors last year,” he said.

Yesterday, Zimbabwe pitched up a special exhibition stand at the International Exhibition Centre to market its tourism offerings for the 2010 World Cup Soccer Finals, scheduled for South Africa.

This year’s trade fair has been broken down into Asambeni African Tourism Expo, the Zimbabwe International Business Conference, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Multi-Sectoral International Exhibition, the Zimbabwe Prime Packaging and Printing Industry Exhibition and the Careers and Training Exhibition which are running concurrently.

Hall Three of the Exhibition Park has been dedicated to Asambeni, the tourism exhibition that is being used to clinch deals for the soccer tourism.

Of much interest is the Zimbabwe International Business Conference being held under the theme: “Facilitating business as the engine of growth in the reconstruction of Zimbabwe Economy.”

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to officially open the business conference this morning and give a keynote address on the role of Government in facilitating business as the engine of growth.

Industry and Commerce Minister Welshman Ncube, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Muzembi, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu, Regional Integration and International Cooperation Minister Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga and Information and Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa are expected to address the business conference.

Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made and Energy and Power Development Minister Elias Mudzuri will also address the business conference.