Muwali Musampula
29 July 2005
FORGET the dusty winds that characterises every agricultural and commercial show because the event still remains the largest marketing tool on the country's agricultural calendar.
It offers companies and organisations a window through which to openly showcase their goods and services to the public.
And since it is not just confined to the Zambian companies but also attracts exhibitors from other countries, it acts as a major impetus for promoting international relations. Especially that a Head of State from an African country is always invited to grace the official opening.
This year's show, to be officially opened tomorrow by Namibian President Hikifepunye Pohamba, is unique in its own sense. The event that is characterised mainly by livestock exhibition will unfortunately not be the case.
After a prolonged foot and mouth disease in the Southern province that left a good number of cattle farmers at a loss, the impact is still being felt. Not as much cattle would be in the showgrounds this year.
This reality was confirmed by Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Society president Kenneth Chibesakunda in his welcome address message.
Under the theme, 'Rebuild our economy', Chibesakunda like most exhibitors feels it rightly fits the current economic scenario being experienced in the country.
"The theme for this year is 'rebuild our economy', appropriately chosen as a wake up call to all Zambians that its them and nobody else who is to propel that engine and move forward in our efforts to rebuild our economy," said Chibesakunda.
The Society president further discloses that Zambia has all that it takes for an overwhelming economic boom, what with the people, climate and abundant natural resources.
He said, "You only need to visit the exhibits in Lima Hall and be convinced that Zambia is sitting on a gold mine. You can have all the correct policies but if Zambian people themselves do not take up the challenge, it will be a pipe dream to have our status move forward."
The show being what it is should be the nation's mirror of measuring the growth of the country's economic performance both at local and international level.
It is for this reason that even international exhibitors are invited to come and showcase their various products.
"With an exception of livestock, there are more exhibitors both local and international than last years. The cattle disease in the Southern and some parts of the Central Province has adversely affected the cattle farmers, but so far a good number of animals are on display from Lusaka Province," said Chibesakunda.
But mind you the show is not just about serious business, families too can have fun, talk about a wide variety of entertainment programmes.
The main arena is one such place which is usually packed with all sort of entertainment programames like musical performances, sporting games amid cultural performance are what make the arena what it is.
Ask any show-goer and they would gladly say the show can never be the same without the main arena, qualifying its name tag.
To accommodate the huge numbers that always visit the show grounds, a new arena has been added on to the current three, the former National Housing Authority arena is now part of the showgrounds.
And Agriculture and Co-operatives Minister Mundia Sikatana in his message equally emphasised on good agricultural policies for economic growth.
He said, "As you are aware, the New Deal Government has placed agriculture at the stage of the country's national development policy and it is my sincere hope that this will indeed help re-build our economy, which is in line with this year's 79th Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show."
The show which officially opens its gates to the public tomorrow has attracted quite an encouraging number of exhibitors as compared to last year. Eight countries have confirmed their participation.
China which is currently enjoying considerable investment opportunities in the country tops the list with 20 countries, Zimbabwe 10, Egypt eight, France and South Africa five companies each, Iran three, Pakistan and Tanzania a company each making a total of 54 foreign firms.
That China is topping is hardly surprising, for it has been touted as the next major world economic power.
Anyhow, going by the past three-year profit records, the society has been making steady progress with profits being increased every other year - in 2002, K810 million was raised while K1 billion in 2003 and K1.6 billion during last year's gate-takings.
With the Visit Zambia campaign still in full swing, tourism and environment acting director in the planning and information department Chiseche Mutale commended organisers for the theme.
"We were happy when we learnt about this year's title because unlike in the past when we have had to struggle with the theme, this year it is in line with what we are doing.
"It is the first time that the theme fits with what we are doing this year,"she said.
And TAZARA equally feels elated to be part of this year's show especially after the transformation of their sister company Tanzania Ports Authority now called Tanzania Harbours Authority.
"As a major transporter of copper and being part of the show, we fit in this theme because we contribute in the economy as we help transport 37,000 tonnes of copper.
"We also provide transport for the private sector industries and that is why we feel as contributors to our economic development," said TAZARA public relations manager, Mwase Lungu.
On the first day of its showcasing its products to the public, exhibitors were busy making final touches to their stands in readiness for judges to do the inspections and grade displaying techniques for awards.
As Namibian President officially opens the show tomorrow, show-goers should be reminded that the show still remains a large marketing venue it has always been.
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