Business Executives Seek Lucrative Deals in ZITF 2013WASHINGTON DC — Some business leaders hope to seal lucrative deals at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which kicks off next Tuesday and will be officially opened by Malawian president Joice Banda. Several business executives affiliated to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) said they are positive signs indicating that they will strike good deals with local and international firms at the commercial event. Sheilla Sidambe, vice president of the Matabeleland chapter of the ZNCC, said they also hope that some investors will be convinced to inject capital in struggling Bulawayo industries. “We hope to sign very lucrative deals as the ZITF now appears to be back in full swing,” said Sidambe. Most industries in the city are failing to access loans to boost production. Businessman Bulisani Ncube said they expect this year’s event to be bigger and better than the 2012 trade fair. The first three days of the event will be set aside for business executives and the holding of an international business conference to be addressed by various speakers including some top South African potential investors and state officials. President Banda of Malawi is expected to officially open the annual trade showcase Saturday. Members of the public will grace the event Friday and Saturday. At least 549 local exhibitors and 14 nations took part in the event last. According to the ZITF company, about 94 percent of the exhibition space has been booked by local and international exhibitors for this year’s show.