No fewer than 65 exhibitors have so far registered to participate in the 30th Enugu International Trade Fair scheduled to commence on April 5.
Mr. Emeka Okereke, Director-General, Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) made the disclosure in an interview in Enugu yesterday.
He said the programme, expected to showcase variety of products and services would end on Monday, April 15.
Okereke said that the chamber had created an online platform for businesses to advertise their products and services.
According to him, the online platform has helped to expand the reach to potential exhibitors beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“With the innovation, we have companies coming from India, China, Cameroon, Ghana and South Africa to participate in the fair.
“With the level of participation so far, I can tell you that we are reasonably prepared to hold the trade fair,” he said.
He said the ECCIMA was still hopeful of having more exhibitors before the commencement of the event.
“Our committees are upbeat, doing very well to evolve all the strategies to ensure a successful outing.
“We are still expecting more participants before the programme starts, the state is safe and friendly for the trade fair to hold,” he said.
The ECCIMA D-G expressed worry that many companies had left the state, adding, “We would have had a more expanded participation if the old companies operating here were still around.”
He urged the government to show commitment towards developing the infrastructure in the trade fair complex.
“The state of infrastructure at the trade fair complex is not encouraging; the complex is being developed by the federal government.
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“Work started on the complex in 2001 when the foundation was laid; today, the contractor is nowhere to be found,” he said
