HPP Exhibitions is organising a horticultural trade fair in Zimbabwe in October: HortiFlor. President Robert Mugabe left only a few months ago and Dick van Raamsdonk grabbed the opportunity: return to the country where he used to organise trade fairs around the turn of the century. “The turn of events that took place in Zimbabwe encouraged me to organise a trade fair. I’ve got a good feeling about this.”
Why a trade fair in Zimbabwe?
“There’s new hope in Zimbabwe. The current government has indicated they want to prioritise the development of the horticultural industry. Banks are willing to provide growers with loans again. So, it’s time for me to return to Zimbabwe. I organised horticultural fairs there in 1998, 2000 and 2001. I feel that the future is looking good; Zimbabwe is going to be an important export country for flowers, fruit and vegetables again. I want to be there ahead of time and organise a horticultural fair to spark that development.”
Are you sure this is the right time? Mugabe’s successor was his ally for many years.
“Yes, I’m sure. I was there last week to see, feel and hear what things are like now. I spoke with growers too. Elections are planned for this year, but that doesn’t worry me. There’s been a turn of events in this country, which encouraged me to organise a trade fair. I have a good feeling about this and I’ve always been able to rely on my instincts.”
What do the Zimbabweans think of your initiative?
“They’re positive. They want to bring their horticultural industry to a higher level. HPP Exhibitions organises the fair, but the Zimbabweans are giving it every support. I’m flying to Zimbabwe again next week, to meet the Minister of Agriculture. I hope that he will also agree that the fair is a good idea.”
What kind of fair is this going to be?
“It will be a place for international suppliers of floricultural products and fruit and vegetables to exhibit. Visitors will consist of Zimbabwean growers and investors in horticultural projects. A second plan is to offer exhibition spaces to Zimbabwean growers as well and to attract buyers to the fair.”
What is the current state of the Zimbabwean horticultural industry?
“Zimbabwe used to be the second largest African exporter of flowers, vegetables and fruit, after Kenya. There isn’t much left of that. I’d like to see the acreage increase, so that exports can take off again. That’s what I’m hoping to achieve with the horticultural fair. This is the right time to give their horticultural industry a boost. The opportunities are there. Zimbabwe will have to face the competition, but that’s normal.
How big is this fair going to be?
“No idea. But I’d like to have a good, decent sized trade fair. I just felt I had to do something. The situation in Zimbabwe is stable now and they want to go into a certain direction, that’s what I’m building on. The current government has shown positive signs and that’s what I’m responding to by creating a platform for their horticultural industry.”
