Charles Iwuoha, Enugu

Several countries and foreign firms are being expected at the 29th Enugu International Trade Fair.

The fair slated to hold between March 16 to 26, 2018, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Pharmacist Emeka Udeze, has revealed.

The theme of the fair is “Engendering the Competitiveness of Nigerian Products in the Global Market”.

Udeze, who spoke at a press briefing at the ECCIMA chambers in Enugu, said the countries include Japan, Ghana, Senegal, South-Africa, Indonesia, among others, adding that “it is expected to be declared open by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.”

On participation of foreign countries, he said, “We have strong indication from Japan; in fact, we are planning a trade mission to Japan; Ghana has also indicated interest; Senegal is also coming; so those interested in Senegalese fashion and dresses should come there; South-Africa will be there too, as well as Indonesia. American Embassy, we have always partnered with them; they were here last year. Turkey will be here too.”

The ECCIMA boss equally disclosed that efforts were being sustained to ensure adequate participation of all the South-East and South-South states, stressing that “last year, the fair witnessed participation from Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, among other Northern States.

“We have gone through and come to another full circle in the hosting of the Enugu International Trade Fair. The preparations and planning for the hosting of this 29th edition started as far back as the beginning of the second quarter of last year.

“I am pleased to inform you that we have made meaningful progress towards the successful hosting of this fair, though I must admit that a number of activities we carried out recently dove-tailed into our planning.

“However, it is my pleasure to inform you that a good number of corporate bodies/business interest to participate in this fair. We wish to acknowledge that a good number of enquiries are being made concerning participation in the fair.”

He expressed hope that the fair would be a success “despite the economic situation that has really affected the economic circle.”

Udeze further stated that the cutting edge of the fair remained the efforts towards enhancing the special designated area in the fair complex for the exhibition of new products, prototypes, innovations and research findings for commercialisation.

“The idea is to deepen technological advancement and industrialisation by inviting researchers, business people and industrialists together.

“This remains one of the core focal points and cutting edge of the Enugu International Trade Fair.

“The agricultural sector will continue to receive attention in our specially designated area during the fair aimed at boosting indulgence agricultural production and commercial farming, more so as it remains a critical sector towards our diversification efforts, so also for the mining sector, with focus in the linkages and value chain benefits,” Udeze said.

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