The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has said the annual Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) will provide the biggest platforms for international and domestic exhibitors to promote new product lines, access new markets and build new business relationships.
Speaking on the upcoming 16th AITF, themed – ‘Exploring opportunities of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’, slated to hold from September 30 to October 9, 2021, the ACCI president, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said that the multi-sectoral trade event in Nigeria has grown in scope and strength as one of the biggest trade platforms since its inception.
He further said the location of Abuja as the capital of Nigeria surrounded by 19 northern states and an hour flight from Lagos and every geopolitical zone makes it more strategic, convenient and safer to host a large number of international and local participants.
Similarly, the ACCI director-general, Victoria Akai, opined that the theme of this year’s AITF is apt, saying business cooperation amongst countries would be in the spirit of AfCFTA and will deepen economic exchange and enhance business prosperity among them.
She also said plans are already in place to ensure that the fair goes smoothly, as many exhibitors within and outside Nigeria have registered and more are still registering as the day draws near.
“Everything has been put in place, including adherence to COVID-19 protocol for everyone that will participate in the fair,” she said.
A statement by ACCI media/strategy officer, Olayemi John-Mensah, said 250 local and international exhibitors, are expected to participate in the trade fair which is set to offer great business networking and display of new products to shoppers.
“With over 24,000 exhibitors and close to 1,000,000 visitors in the 15 series of the fair, it is no wonder that the fair has already become a ‘must-see’ for those looking for business success in Nigeria and Abuja.
“The platform is designed to promote and strengthen businesses, trade and investment opportunities in the country. It provides a neutral and open atmosphere for blue-chip companies, trade groups/associations, government investment/export promotion agencies, institutions and other private sector organisations to engage new business partners for investment/trade relations and conclude business deals.
“For over 15 years, the AITF’s key success factors have been the increased number of participants and visitors who visit annually,” the statement said.
