As the 35th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) got underway on Friday, presence of more international participants, particularly from neighbouring African countries, increased compared with previous fairs.
Mr Gabriel Idahosa, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), attributed the development to improved economic activities against year 2020 disruption due to Coronavirus.
Idahosa said that 16 countries had indicated interest and signed up for the fair, amongst which Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, had arrived, with others on their way to the fair.
He expressed optimism that by Monday, many other countries, some of whom were on ground, would have fully set up their stands to take full advantage of the LITF.
“In our listing, 16 countries had indicated interest and said they were coming some of which you can see at the exhibition ground already.
“This year promises to be much better than last year given that restrictions over COVID-19 have been relaxed and border closure matter which we had last year has been resolved to a great level.
“We have also reverted to the usual time of the year when we have the fair and have made several improved modalities and logistics to accommodate the large number of visitors to the fair,” he said.
Meanwhile, some exhibitors at the LITF, have expressed optimism over the expected volume of sales of good and services.
This follows the higher level of compliance and ability of persons to better manage the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs Funmi Bello, Managing Director, Nips Organics, who had been visiting the fair for the past seven years, noted that the whole ambience and vibe of the fair this year was more encouraging that last year’s in spite of being the first day.
Bello, however, noted that the N500 gate pass at the gate was too high and should be revisited to encourage maximum turnout of guests at the arena.
“There’s honestly the need to reduce the fare to come in as you cannot just jump from N200 last year to N500.
” We are excited with the tempo and many of us are setting up and we are sure that in a few days, sales would pick up, against the sightseeing going on currently.
“I want to encourage others to ensure that the products they bring are top-notch, and get your network wider and then you get more customers,” she said.
A female shoemaker, Mrs Ramat Wale, Founder, Rammy Footwears, told NAN that she was at the fair to create connections that would improve and stabilise her business.
Wale said she also looked forward to building female entrepreneurs in her business line noting that it was stressful but also lucrative.
“I am here to get connections such as machines and other things that would help in producing the very best leather footwear in Lagos and even outside the country.
“I’m also sure that we would make some sales here as people are really flocking into this place.
“This business is something that a woman can do and stand out in to be an employer of labour and add her own quota to the society, and it is honestly very lucrative but stressful,” she said.
Mrs Omolara Atunwa, Owner, Wisemart Home Technology Appliances Limited, said her expectation this year was higher than last year’s seeing that people were more vaccinated and COVID-19 no longer posed a stranger to many.
She said that her company would at the fair launch a car emergency starter kit inclusive of jump starter, to ensure that motorists were not left stranded due to minor mechanical fault on the road.
“This year looks better with the way businesses are trooping in and setting up rapidly.
“Last year, COVID-19 disrupted business experts ability to make decisions as to whether to be present or not, but this year, there’s a lot different.
” We look forward to better patronage and more awareness for our businesses to carry us through till the next fair,” she said.
