35th Trade Fair Will Prioritise Made-in-Nigeria Products, Says ECCIMA
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) has announced that this year’s International Trade Fair will focus on the promotion of locally made products as part of efforts to increase exports and restore the value of the naira.
The President of the chamber, Odeiga Jideonwo, made this known while addressing a press briefing held as part of preparations for the 35th edition of the Trade Fair slated for April 5 to 15, 2024.
In his address, Jideonwo said the theme of the fair ‘Made in Nigeria products for Global Competitiveness’, would not have come at a better time than now that there is an urgent need to revive the national economy.
He said: “The current economic challenges in the country as a result of the dwindling revenue from our mono foreign exchange earner, which is oil, calls for concerted efforts towards diversifying our economy, hence, the need to promote made-in-Nigeria products in the global market to attract foreign interest.”
He noted that promoting local products would also increase exports of non-oil products and offset foreign exchange deficit which will in turn, deepen “our democracy.”
To achieve this, the president said the chamber has made arrangements for two Marquee Tents, one to provide space for participation of all SMEs in Enugu at a reduced cost and one for corporate and international exhibitors.
The president also announced that efforts are being consolidated towards bringing back to the fair big companies that stopped participating due to poor exhibition infrastructure at the complex.
“These companies, including Zenith Bank, Dangote, Anammco, Emenite Limited among others have decided to join ECCIMA in its move to use the public-private partnership arrangement in developing the Enugu International Trade Fair,” he said.
To ensure improved participation during the fair, he said the entrance would be free even as free transport will be available from ShopRite to the fairground.
