Source: President Ruto impressed by livestock exhibits at ZITF | Sunday News (local news)
Vusumuzi Dube , Online News Editor
KENYAN President Dr William Ruto yesterday toured the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, where he expressed admiration for the livestock exhibits, particularly the array of cattle breeds that were on display at the Bulawayo Agriculture Society stand.
He was accompanied by President Mnangagwa.
President Ruto, who has a passion for cattle breeding, showed interest in the livestock exhibited at the trade fair and even deviated from the planned route to express interest in importing the Simmental breed.
His interaction with cattle breeders at the stand reflected a shared passion for farming and livestock rearing, bridging cultural and geographical divides between Zimbabwe and Kenya. President Ruto’s visit left a lasting impression on those present, adding authenticity and warmth to the event.
During his visit, President Ruto expressed interest in importing the Simmental breed and highlighted the potential for co-operation between Zimbabwe and Kenya to strengthen their beef markets.
“I have always been interested in breeding this type of breed, and this is an area in which we can also co-operate as nations where we can help each other strengthen our beef markets,” said President Ruto as he admired the cattle on display.
Mr Obert Chinhamo, an Esigodini-based rancher showcasing the Simmental breed, mentioned that President Ruto’s visit gave hope to farmers in terms of exporting their cattle to Kenya and importing the Kenyan Boran breed to Zimbabwe.
“It’s a great pleasure to have our leaders coming to see what the farmers are doing and agreeing with us that we need to work together on the export side of our livestock, I asked the Presidents if they could assist in that regard.
“President Ruto indicated that he wanted to import the Simmental breed, he was excited, he loved the cattle, and he didn’t even want to leave our stand, he had to be advised to move on. That was surely a highlight of this year’s fair,” said Mr Chinhamo.
Both leaders agreed to work on a package that would facilitate cattle exports to Kenya and the importation of Borans from Kenya.
This interaction between the two leaders demonstrated their commitment to fostering trade relations and exploring avenues for mutual economic growth.
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is a significant event that draws participants from across the globe and serves as a platform for showcasing various industries and promoting trade relations.
This year’s trade fair, the 64th edition, was held under the theme, “Innovation: The Catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade.”
The trade jamboree that was held in Bulawayo from 23-27 April, featured international exhibitors from 21 countries, including Kenya.
President Ruto’s presence at the trade fair highlighted the importance of fostering strong bilateral relations and collaboration in economic development.
In addition to visiting the livestock exhibits, President Ruto and President Mnangagwa engaged with various exhibitors and explored the diverse offerings at the trade fair.
They visited stands representing different sectors, such as waste management, trade promotion, telecommunications, and food and beverage.
Geo-Pomona Waste Management director, Mr Dilesh Nguwaya said they were excited to share some of the projects with the two leaders, with President Ruto reportedly encouraging them to maintain open lines of communication with the Government of Kenya for possible future co-operation.
“It was a great honour having the two Presidents visiting our stand at Geo Pomona Waste Management, we managed to walk them through some of the things that we are doing which include the waste-to-energy project that we are hoping to start before the end of the year.
“We are looking at generating electricity, the first line by 2025 and the second line by 2027, we managed to speak to President Ruto who said we should maintain open lines of communication with the Government of Kenya for possible co-operation,” said Mr Nguwaya.
Mr Langa Moyo, whose company, Matobo African Gin, was exhibiting under the ZimTrade stand said: “We are under the ZimTrade’s Eagle’s Nest project, and having these two leaders enabled us to push our brand further, with the hope of even exporting to Kenya. President Ruto was particularly interested in what our gin is made from and I explained it’s made from indigenous botanicals like Zumbani and Boabab, giving it a local feel.
“It was quite amazing having two Presidents come to our stand as it gives us the confidence to push our brand further and we are now looking forward to doing more as we grow our brand for the export market,” said Mr Moyo.
The leaders emphasised the importance of fostering trade relations and exploring opportunities for mutual economic growth.
The visit also provided an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and discuss potential collaborations with the Kenyan Government.
The trade fair served as a platform for fostering strong bilateral relations and exploring avenues for mutual economic growth.
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