DG, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Victoria Akai, addresses the media on the forthcoming Abuja International Trade Fair, on Wednesday. Photo: Musa Akabe, ACCI
By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
Over N1billion is expected as turnover at the upcoming Abuja International Trade Fair scheduled from September 28 to October 9, 2023.
It is the 18th edition with the theme “Sustainable financing and taxation”.
The Director-General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr Victoria Akai stated this while fielding questions from the media during a press conference ahead of the fair.
She also said 15 African countries have indicated interest to participate in the trade fair which is one of the biggest in the country.
The Curator of the Trade Fair, Ezekwesili Nnaemeka Nnam, however added that 50 countries have made inquiries about the fair and talks with them is ongoing.
According to him, the trade fair is an Abuja programme and reason why the FCT Administration is always the official host.
In a prepared speech, the President of the Chamber, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar said over 500 companies are expected to participate in the Trade Fair while over 100,000 visitors within and outside Nigeria are expected in attendance.
The speech was read on his behalf by Dr Akai
According to him, space is fast taken with very few remaining in the outdoor category noting that the fair is a prestigious multi-sectoral event in Nigeria that continues to expand its scope and influence.
He as one of the largest trade platforms in Africa, Abuja Trade Fair offers domestic and international exhibitors an opportunity to showcase new product lines, access untapped markets, forge invaluable business relationships, unveil innovative products, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
He said the fair is also dedicated to connecting businesses with lucrative trade and investment prospects within the country.
The President noted that the fair serves as a catalyst for establishing fruitful investment and trade relations with new business partners.
On the whole, Dr. Al-Mujtaba said with Abuja’s advantageous location as the nation’s capital and its convenient approximate one-hour flight from all locations in Nigeria, coupled with accessibility to all geopolitical zones, hosting a significant number of international and local participants becomes both strategic and secure.