KABANDA CHULU, Lusaka
THE increase in the number of participating countries is an indication of the important role the show plays in promoting the country’s economic development, Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ) president Ben Shoko has said.
The 90th Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show which starts this Wednesday under the theme ‘managing environment for growth,’ and will be officially opened on Saturday by Namibian President Hage Geingob, has attracted over 30 countries.
During a media briefing last Friday, Mr Shoko said everything is in place to host this year’s event which will run from Wednesday (July 27) to Monday (1st August).
“We are ready to host this momentous occasion, and we have spent K8 million on infrastructure development, including installation of a new sewer line, re-development of the main arena, whose sitting capacity has increased from 5,000 to 7,500, and paving of walkways, among other projects.
“The show will be officially opened on Saturday [July 30] and the guest of honour is President of Namibia Hage Geingob. We expect good participation from foreign exhibitors, and so far, 16 countries have confirmed participation,” he said.
He said foreign exhibitors have greatly contributed to the development of the country’s economy.
“We also expect an increased turn-out of local exhibitors, going by the number of confirmations received so far. All the sectors of the economy are represented.”
“The show itself is a local product which generates money locally and invests the same locally by way of improving infrastructure and sponsoring the 600 girls who are trained in majorette mass movements and are fed for three months prior to the show, among other things,” Mr Shoko said.
The show, whose entry fee is K25 per person per day, is expected to draw over 300,000 show-goers as compared to last years’ turnout of 230,000 people.