Onitsha set to host Anambra 2018 International Trade Fair November 26th --unveils prospectus

 Cynthia Chidimma Igbokwe of www.odogwublog.com reports that the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Awka Road, Onitsha will play host to the crème de la crème of manufacturers, traders , industry players and their customers that would be coming for the Anambra 2018 International Trade Fair starting on November 26^th, 2018 till December 11^th , 2018. The Trade Fair would be declared open by Governor Willie Obiano.  

 The Trade Fair is jointly organized by Association of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AACCIMA) comprising of three city Chambers of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Nnewi Chamber of Commerce and Awka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, has Promoting Economic Development through Manufacturing, Trade and Agriculture as its 2018 theme.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Sir Chris Ukachukwu told newsmen that the upcoming Trade Fair in Anambra State had become an annual congregation of business giants, agricultural experts, inventors, investors, and key manufacturers, adding that it would surpass the two previous editions.

Ukachukwu said that this year’s fair would be the biggest commercial event in the South East, noting that Anambra State government and its ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs have all indicated interest and endorsed the Trade Fair due to the economic potentials as well as international dimension they are bringing in.

Ukachukwu said: ‘‘Local and foreign investors, trade groups manufacturers, multinationals companies, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, inventors and MDAs have all indicated interest to participate in this Trade Fair,’ he assured.

'Just like you have popular annual Canton Fair in China which has transformed to a global event and a must- attend summit, this trade fair seeks to formally institute an annual global meeting and an international commercial platform in Anambra State. We are already partnering with trade missions, embassies and multinational companies to be part of this event and the responses have been overwhelming.

'So we seek to present a very strong platform for global and local businesses to exhibit their products and services to a global market thereby presenting a huge opportunity for business visibility and international patronage.

'There shall be specialty exhibitions, displays, entertainment from the creative arts and industry. Prices of products and services shall crash and an atmosphere of festivity and fun shall be created. It shall be a precursor to Christmas festivities as it presents a great platform for people to make Christmas purchases.

'High level of security is guaranteed as close-circuit television (CCTV) shall be installed to monitor the activities of visitors at the fair ground and beyond. Fire- fighting equipment shall be installed in strategic points. There is adequate medical facilities respond to any medical challenges swiftly.

There shall be networking and establishment of relationships, forging of partnership and closure of new deals, exchange of information and knowledge in global best practices and creative ways of conducting businesses. Diverse and various products shall be exhibited and sold at the fair. New products shall be launched and old products shall be repackaged.

This Trade Fair will create jobs directly and indirectly; create new customers, create new opportunities and also create a more intense competitive environment that will lead to excellence in products and services delivery.

Ukachukwu concluded: ‘'Finally,  it is obvious that Anambra State has now become a very critical economic hub in West Africa. The Trade Fair seeks to validate this and stimulate a high dimension economic growth that will improve the disposable income of residents, showcase the entrepreneurial resourcefulness of Anambra State and catalyse a radical transformation of Anambra economy which is already on upward trajectory,' Pharm’’

Unveiling the prospectus for the Anambra 2018 International Trade Fair , the Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism Mrs. Sally Mbanefo  said the state government has recognized  the importance of trade fair as key factor in transforming all sectors of the state economy.

According to Mrs. Mbanefo, there is need for the committee to extend their reach to Ndi Igbo in diaspora, as she said that every Igbo man is known for his activeness in any part of the world economy and promised that through her Ministry, Ndi Anambra in diaspora will remain connected with the cultural and homemade products the state is known for.

She called on all illustrious sons of the state to key into the “Aku lue Uno” call of the present administration led by Governor Willie Obiano to bring their investment and intellectual achievements home and assured them of safety of their investments.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization, Processing and Export, Mr. Afam Mbanefo and his Trade and Commerce Counterpart Mr. Christian Mmadubuko represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Daniel Okolie noted that the Ministries have commenced plans towards building permanent center for the Anambra Trade Fair for adequate participation and achievement of the set aims and objectives.

Others in attendance included, the Managing Director of Anambra State Small Business Agency ASBA, Chief Clement Chukwuka and the President South East Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Chief Azubuike Okafor who affirmed their support in making it a huge success.

www.odogwublog.com reports that previous years were a success because of the pooling of the business resourcefulness of Onitsha and Nnewi combined with the administrative support of Awka. This year would be better.