Lagos fair targets industrialisation, sustainable growth

The 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), which is scheduled to take place between November 3 and 12, is focusing on promoting industrialisation in Nigeria to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The fair will attract over 2,000 exhibitors including 200 firms from various countries of the world, according to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), its organiser. About 500,000 visitors are expected at this year’s fair.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Sola Oyetayo, chairman of the Trade Promotion Board of the LCCI, said foreign exhibitors will fly into the country from 15 countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, Singapore, South Africa, the European Union and the North America, among others.
Oyetayo said the theme of this year’s fair tagged, ‘Promoting Industrialisation for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Growth’ is germane in the face of economic realities in the country that require the action from all stakeholders.
“With the provision of enabling business environment, industrialisation is a major springboard to economic recovery and massive job creation. If we can vigorously pursue this noble path, it will no doubt result in sustainable growth desired for our increasing population,” he said.
The International Investment Conference will take place on November 2, a day before the fair kick-starts at Muson Centre, and it is devoted to discussions on ease of doing business.
The general consumer fair will take place at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), while business to business meeting among local and international investors will happen at the same venue.
Arrangements are also being made for the secondary school essay competition and Lagos Creative Industry Fair as well as the Special Day, which will provide a unique opportunity for exhibitors to take the centre stage at the Banquet Hall of the TBS.
“We have encouraged banks and investment houses to take advantage of business clinics to create an interactive session with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It will be a platform to enlighten the operators on the growing trend in technology in the delivery of quality service to customers,” he stated.
He said arrangements have been made to ensure adequate security as security agencies including anti-bomb squads will be on ground, adding that the fair will be covered with 24 hours CCTV.
He said there will be dedicated industrial power generating sets to complement public power supply, assuring participants of un-interrupted electricity supply throughout the 10-day fair.

ODINAKA ANUDU