KADCCIMA plans trade fair to boost real sector competitiveness
The Kaduna Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mines and Agriculture has concluded plans to hold the 39th edition of its trade fair.
The theme of the trade fair is, ‘Promoting Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for International Competitiveness’ and will be declared open on February 24. The fair will last between February 23 and March 4, 2018.
The trade fair is in line with the country’s mood of sustaining gradual economic recovery through agriculture, manufacturing and commerce.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Suleiman Aliyu, 2nd deputy president and chairman of the trade fair organising committee, said the theme was chosen to complement the effort of the government towards revamping the economy to drive investments in agriculture, manufacturing, trade, services and technology.
Aliyu said as part of preparations for the fair, the chamber has made extensive contacts with industrialists, manufacturers, fabricators, distributors and marketers both within and outside Nigeria and has invited them to participate in what he called this year’s ‘Africa’s Most Famous Fair’.
He said the KADCCIMMA has also contacted policy makers, federal and state ministries of commerce, NIPC, NACCIMA, Nigeria missions abroad and other key stakeholders.
“On the side of participants and visitors to the fair, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce is envisaging a large turnout from both local and international participants. So far, we have some companies from countries like Turkey, Pakistan, India, Kenya, Egypt, Thailand, Iran, Niger Republic and China that have indicated keen interest to participate,” Aliyu said.
He further said that the state of the economy makes agriculture inevitable as the government encourages Nigerians to consistently tap into its potential.
“Kaduna State government is putting everything in place to ensure a hitch-free trade fair. The chamber is working closely with the government to actualise this,” he added.
According to Muheeba F. Dankaka, president of the chamber, the fair is meant to promote the economy. On security, Dankaka said Kaduna is safe and a place anybody should not fail to visit, adding that farms in the state are protected and well secured.
Tijani Musa, CEO of ATM Farms Limited, who is also a council member of KADCCIMA, said even communities in Kaduna have taken the security challenge themselves, protecting the citizens and their businesses.
Usman Saulawa, director-general, KADCIMMA, said the chamber is working closely with the state investment promotion agency to re-awaken dead industries, including textile firms.
ODINAKA ANUDU