In a bid to expand Aba business community and expose it to the world, Abia state government has announced the Aba international trade fair to take place between 28 November to 7th December 2024.
Speaking at the world press conference on the planned trade fair held at Aba by the planning committee in collaboration with the Aba Chamber of Commerce , Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), the committee Chairman, Chief Nwaka Inem noted that the timing of the trade fair is good.
The Committee Chairman who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry also stressed the importance of the fair.
“This is to broaden the scope, the reach and the impact of Aba business community.
“We expect that what will be done this year will send signals to what will continue to be under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti,” he said.
He disclosed that the venue for the trade fair is Aba mega mall and added that the location is ideal for the participants from the neighbouring states.
Chief Inem revealed that two reputable consultants; Vivarmark Communication limited and Global Flourish Exhibitions limited were selected to work with the committee.
He explained that the decision to use the two consultants was based on time, expertise and cost effectiveness. He noted that many countries have indicated interest in participating in the trade fair and appreciated the commitment of the Governor on the trade fair.
Also, the President, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Sir Geoffrey Uzoagbara, who thanked Governor Otti for the event, and expressed the hope that the aim of the trade fair would be achieved, saying that the international trade fair has never happened before.
“Over the years we have been holding trade fairs but this year, we have added it ‘international’ in terms of what the state is looking at.
“This is to highlight what the state is now . We have not had it like this before in terms of relationship with the government,” Uzoagbara stated.
He assured they would do everything to ensure the programme succeeds.
In their reactions, the Managing Director of Global Flourish Exhibitions limited, Felix Ekarika and the representative of Vivarmark Communication limited, Marcus Ijioma saluted the state government for repackaging the trade fair and said that the focus is to attract direct foreign investment.