The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Bulawayo chapter
wrote to the ZITF protesting against a schedule of tariffs released by the
company.
According to the schedule, exhibitors would be expected to part with
between US$80 and US$130 per square metre.
But the ZNCC said the tariffs were beyond the reach of most companies
still battling to find their feet following the introduction of multiple
currencies and the virtual collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar.
In correspondence to the ZITF, ZNCC Bulawayo chamber chairperson,
Sheila Sidambe said if the tariffs were not reviewed significantly,
companies would find it difficult to participate at the trade showcase.
"Most of our members who are regular participants at this top event
annually have indicated they are unable to meet the cost of space rentals,"
reads part of the letter.
"They sincerely believe this year’s charges are without doubt beyond
their means."
She said they realised the ZITF was an international event but the
organisers should recognise that most companies were struggling for survival
as a result of the economic challenges.
"It is our submission that members have recognised that ZITF is an
international event which needs to be handled on those standards and
therefore should be matched with regional and international standards,"
Sidambe said.
"But our position is that our economy for the past 10 years has been
performing below regional standards. Therefore any charges to a local
company based on international or regional standards would be excessive and
unaffordable to local companies."
ZITF general manager, Daniel Chigaru told journalists recently that
the company would first observe the situation before making any decisions on
the tariffs.
"We will be meeting soon with the minister (of industry) to see what
we can do about this issue of tariffs," Chigaru said. "This needs us all to
put heads together so that we can have a fruitful 50th Anniversary of ZITF."
The 50th edition of the ZITF runs from April 28 to May 2 and there is
optimism this year the event would be bigger following renewed interest by
investors after the formation of the inclusive governmen – thezimbabwestandard.com
Post published in: Economy