Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Kicks OffThe 56th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) opened Tuesday running under the theme 'Stimulating Trade, Seizing Opportunities to Accelerate Growth'. The fair this year with 404 direct exhibitors, recorded a four percent growth compared to 2014. There were 396 such exhibitors last year. ZITF chairman, Bekithemba Nkomo told journalists in Bulawayo that they are happy with the level of participation at the trade show case. He said foreign exhibitors include Cyprus and Japan, which is participating for the first time after a long absence. He further said they are matching buyers from countries like USA, South Africa and Poland. The event will be officially opened Thursday by Zambia president Edgar Lungu at the showgrounds where President Robert Mugabe is also expected to grace the occasion. A golf challenge match to benefit a local organization, Esandleni Sothando, catering for the needs of girl children is expeted to be held on Friday. Some of the countries that participated at the fair last year include South Africa, Botswana, China, Malawi, Zambia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Egypt, India, Iran, Kenya, Mozambique and several others. No media source currently available