Zimbabwe’s annual premier mining and engineering exhibition, Mine Entra, scheduled for monthend, is set to surpass the 1997 participation record by attracting the highest number of exhibitors and space.
With close to two weeks before the July 25 to 27 event, 200 direct exhibitors have confirmed participation, though no diamond company had shown interest in taking part.
Last year, 209 exhibitors took part.
In an update on preparations, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) chairperson Bekithemba Nkomo said the exhibition was to sit on over 6 500 square metres indicating a 33 % jump in space taken up so far.
“To date, the exhibition looks likely to surpass the 1997 edition, where the company recorded the highest ever number of exhibitors and amount of space taken up,” he said.
“That particular show was housed in Halls 3 and 4 over 6 000 square metres of exhibitors space.
“The exhibition is sitting at over 6 500 square metres, a 33% increase from a figure of 4 913 square metres at the same time last year.” He said 10 direct exhibitors mainly from South Africa had taken up 100 square metres.
The annual premier mining, engineering and transport showcase will be held under the theme “Reveal Local Treasures, Strike Global Returns”.
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ZITF general manager Daniel Chigaru said not a single diamond firm had made enquiries on direct exhibiting, but said they could attend as buyers.
“The majority of our exhibitors are service providers to the mining sectors as opposed to mining companies. It is very likely that some of the service providers would be providing services to diamond mining firms,” Nkomo said.
Meanwhile, a Mine Entra 2012 Conference organised jointly with the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, will be held on the opening day.
Some of the topics to be tackled include the development of the minerals sector and its contribution to the economy, trade measures for mine development and the capacity and constrains of the Zimbabwean supply sector, as well as initiatives needed to grow the sector.
Also a joint suppliers and purchases conference is planned for July 26.
