No fewer than 100 exhibitors have registered to participate at the first Anambra International Trade Fair scheduled to begin on November 25.
The trade fair, tagged “Jubilee Fair,” to mark the 25th anniversary of the state, is organised by the Association of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
The theme of the fair is: “To harness Anambra’s Natural Resources for Non-oil Exports, as a world-class Trade Hub”.
Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, a member of the committee and President of the Awka Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday that all arrangements have been concluded on the exhibition.
He said that the theme of the fair perfectly hinges on the Federal Government’s Economic Policy of “Backward Integration” and “Import Substitution”.
The 10-day fair will end on December 4.
Nwobu said the exhibition promised to showcase predominantly Nigerian-made goods, as only a few foreign firms have registered to exhibit at the fair.
He said there would have been more exhibitors but that those who had earlier indicated interest to participate withdrew, complaining about poor access to foreign exchange.
“They complained that they could not build up inventories due to poor access to forex and imported raw materials.
“The recession greatly affected our programmes as most of the prospective exhibitors pulled out at the last minute because they said they do not have products to exhibit.
“The poor access to foreign exchange has made some exhibitors to back out, but nonetheless, about 100 of them have registered and paid for stands.
“As we planned it, Nigerian-made goods and services will dominate the exhibition.
“We expect patrons from across Nigeria and beyond to come and see the strength of productive ingenuity of our people,” Nwobu said.
He said that the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilance groups and other security operatives have been mobilised to provide security for exhibitors and visitors at the fair.
Meanwhile, when NAN visited the Alex Ekwueme Square, venue of the fair, construction of pavilions was in top gear as exhibitors were busy putting final touches to decorate their stands. (NAN)