In the previous exhibitions, like the ZITF, exhibitors faced challenges in bringing their goods through the country's border posts.

Speaking in Bulawayo last week, ZITF chairman Bekithemba Nkomo said they were engaging various stakeholders to ensure that exhibitors did not face delays.

"We have been in touch with our support organisations such as Zimra and have confirmed that they will be on sight to assist the exhibitors with their importation requirements and we hope that it will help with the easy flow of the exhibition," said Nkomo.

He said the preparations were going on well and 91% of the available space had so far been booked.

"The preparations are progressing well and to date we have over 4 600 square metres of exhibition space taken up and this represents about 91% of the space that we have availed for sale for this exhibition," he said.

"We have also attracted some small-scale miners including the Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small Scale Council for Sustainable Mining and Women in Mining and other groups that have supported the Mine Entra before and we are looking forward to their participation."

He said there was international interest in the Mine Entra and companies from countries like South Africa, China, Belgium, Botswana, Germany and Nigeria had confirmed participation.
He added that they were also utilising technology that allows companies to register online.

"A lot of visitors are registering online and we hope that others will be able to utilise the technology," said the ZITF chairman.
He said the fair was a sector-specific exhibition where mining, engineering and transport products and services would be on display.

Nkomo revealed that the exhibition would be officially opened by Mines and Mining Development minister Walter Chidhakwa on July 24.
The 19th edition of the expo will run from July 23 to 25 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo under the theme, Innovation, Beneficiation, Growth.

Nkomo said exhibition space was still available and encouraged exhibitors that have not yet taken up stands to do so.