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E150M TRADE OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS YEAR’S EITF

27/06/2024 18:02:00 Mlondzi Nkambule

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MBABANE – This year’s Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is anticipated to create potential trade opportunities worth E150 million during and after the event.

This was revealed by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo. The minister was speaking at the official launch of this year’s event, which was held yesterday at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre in Manzini.

Dignitaries

The official event, which will be held under the theme ‘Connect, Create, Grow’ will be held from August 30 to September 8, 2024. The launch event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the mayor of the City of Manzini and the different sponsors who will support this year’s event. “The EITF has become Eswatini’s premium business networking event, with over 250 exhibitors and vendors showcasing their goods and services for 10 days. This year, we anticipate welcoming over 500 000 visitors, injecting millions into our economy through direct and indirect economic activity,” said Khumalo.

The minister went on to mention that these numbers demonstrate the immense impact that the EITF has on the country’s economy and the potential it holds for local businesses. In line with the ever-evolving digital landscape, the minister mentioned that the EITF has embraced the digital revolution. “The launch of the EITF app has allowed exhibitors to apply and make payments seamlessly, eliminating the need for paper applications,” he further explained. “This move towards sustainability and efficiency not only benefits our exhibitors, but also showcases the changes that the business environment will experience due to the advancements brought about by the 4th Industrial Revolution.”

The Mayor of the City of Manzini Goodwill Dlamini, who was also in attendance, thanked the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, together with EIPA for once again making sure that the city hosts the event, which will in turn put it on the map. “We also take cognisance of the Speech from the Throne of the ‘Nkwe’ directive. We aim to enact policies that will be in line with this directive,” said the mayor.