Port Harcourt trade fair to boost SMEs in Rivers

The Port Harcourt international trade fair, which officially kicks off on 07 December, is set to create a vista of business opportunities for hundreds of micro, small and medium-scale (MSMEs) outfits in Rivers State, as fair organizers, the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) said it has mapped out a synergy with the local entrepreneurs to exhibit at the fair.

Newly sworn-in president of PHCCIMA, Emi Membere-Otaji said in Port Harcourt Tuesday that the trade fair is coming off with bright aspects that would turn up the 12-day events an exciting experience for businesses (exhibitors), shoppers, visitors, families including children and other fun-seekers.

He announced that quite a number of Nigerian and international companies have committed to exhibit at the trade fair, which he said has further bolstered the trappings of the event.

“It is going to be a potpourri of events that would keep the Garden city alive for the period, coming also at the festive season,” said Membere-Otaji at a media briefing at the Chamber’s mounted secretariat at the Liberation Stadium fair ground.

The PHCCIMA president said all exhibitors’ goods would be insured by the chamber such that none of them needs be afraid of business loss, while participating at the trade fair, which has theme: “Low Prices, New Outlook.”

He said the chamber has taken into account trade fair pricing as a credible trapping to attract shoppers and visitors.

Also, the chamber is mounting a fire station, Police unit, ambulance service, water-tight security, clinic and an entrainment village for all manner of entertainments. The entertainment village opens each once daytime trading closes, featuring Nigerian artists who have been making top 10 charts in the Nigerian music industry.

Meanwhile, Membere-Otaji announced that the chamber has signed agreement with online trading companies to offer online trading at the trade fair, the first time in the fair’s year-end presentation.

Also, the Rivers state government would be participating in full force with its agencies; while the state’s 23 local government councils would be showcasing their products, especially arts and crafts and agricultural produce.

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