By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) says it will discuss with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) the possibility of exhibiting tobacco products at this year’s fair.
General manager Alex Mayeya said ZIFT would soon approach ZAM to discuss the requirements and other terms of condition for exhibiting tobacco products at the show.
Mr Mayeya was responding to concerns raised by manufacturers on the continued rejection of tobacco exhibition during the trade fair at a meeting held on Saturday last week.
The manufacturers said over the years, ZITF had not allowed tobacco companies to exhibit products at the international show, hence denying producers to show the outside world what sort of tobacco is produced in Zambia.
Mr Mayeya said the tobacco industry was an important sector in the economic development of Zambia  and that it was also important to show people how it was produced.
“We are aware that tobacco is harmful to our health and its restriction to advertising and marketing, so we will discuss with the manufacturers what they will be required to do if they are to exhibit the  product during the trade fair,” he said.
Meanwhile, about 400 companies have so far confirmed participation at this year’s trade fair to be held from June 29 and July 5.
Acting ZITF chairperson Jane Kabwela said 300 local and 91 companies had confirmed participation.
She said the 91 foreign companies were represented by Egypt, Botswana, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Kenya.
Others are South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, India, Nigeria and Indonesia.
Ms Kabwela added that local participation was expected to increase further before the show starts.