Abuja trade fair exhibitors laud organisers

Exhibitors at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair on Saturday commended the organisers for a hitch-free event.

They said the 2019 edition of the fair recorded improvements in security arrangements and presentations by various government agencies.

The event which began September 21, is featuring trade and investment profile presentations, exhibitions, business matchmaking sessions and products/services presentations.

The event organised by Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has the theme “Remodelling SMEs Financing: Options and Solutions’’.

The Regional Manager (North), Asteven Solar, Mrs Vanessa Idiaghe, commended the organisers, adding that the process of payment for shops was less difficult.

“This is quite commendable because in previous editions we passed through rigorous process to pay for shops,” she said.

She urged the organisers to ensure reduction in cost of shops.

“The amount for the shops are quite exorbitant, for 36 square meter shop we paid N210,000.

“So, we appeal to the organisers to reduce the cost of shops in order for the exhibitors to gain from their investments,’’ Idiaghe said.

Similarly, a fabrics seller, Mr Olu Ibadin, said there were adequate infrastructure and facilities including an ultra-modern convention centre with 7,000 capacity and conducive business atmosphere to host the event. Ibadin, however, decried low patronage.

He said that customers price below cost price due to the notion that cost of items in trade fair ought to be low.

“All the same sales are picking up because more people are getting better information about activities going on at the trade fair.

“I sell a pair of shirt N3, 000 but people price it N2,000, so how am I going to meet the cost price?

“I paid N100, 000 for sublet and I am also running electricity,’’ Ibadin said.

An exhibitor, Mr Umezi Celestine, urged the organisers to move the trade fair from the rainy season to dry season.

Leave a Reply