…promises to champion the promotion of small businesses, connect businesses
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) scheduled to hold between 29th September to 9th October 2023 at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre and the opened field of ACCI.
The President of the ACCI, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
This year’s trade fair, which happens to be the 18th edition has as theme, “Sustainable Financing and Taxation as Drivers for the New Economy.”
According to the President, the trade fair would serve as a platform for businesses to engage with financial and tax institutions, discuss current trends and solutions, and foster sustainable approaches to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The 18th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair is part of our initiative to connect businesses and create a platform for policymakers to interact with the business community. We champion the promotion of small businesses, acknowledging their vital role in the national economy, job creation, and overall prosperity.”
He said “the AITF is a prestigious multi-sectoral event in Nigeria that continues to expand its scope and influence. As one of the largest trade platforms in Africa, it offers domestic and international exhibitors an opportunity to showcase new product lines, access untapped markets, forge invaluable business relationships, unveil innovative products, and stay ahead of emerging trends.It is dedicated to connecting businesses with lucrative trade and investment prospects within the country” he added
” This trading platform cultivates a neutral and inclusive environment, welcoming companies, trade associations, government investment/export promotion agencies, institutions, and private sector organisations.
” With Abuja’s advantageous location as the nation’s capital and its convenient approximate one-hour flight from all locations in Nigeria, coupled with accessibility to all geopolitical zones, hosting a significant number of international and local participants becomes both strategic and secure.” He said
Abubakar also added that the trade fair will help in showcasing products of exhibitors and partners in various sectors and serves as a catalyst for establishing fruitful investment and trade relations with new business partners.
“The event will showcase innovative products and solutions from our partners and exhibitors in various sectors such as Fintech, tax collection, payment systems, e-health, food processing, and environmental safety. ”
“This year’s theme is centred on financing and taxation which is the cornerstone of any prosperous nation and immense importance to the business community as it is critical to addressing climate-friendly initiatives, the ease of doing business, and attracting foreign direct investment,” he added
Furthermore, the president noted the importance of attendance of the trade fair. He said the fair connects products, people, innovations and an enabling environment for growth.
“Why should I attend? You may ask.
From the heart of Nigeria, the Abuja International Trade Fair connects people, brands and markets with business interactions, discoveries and innovations.”
“It will amongst other things provide an enabling environment for businesses to discuss and interact with financial and tax institutions on current trends and solutions, as well as to work out a sustainable approach to AfCFTA and harmonize country requirements.”
“It would extensively display products and solutions that are developed by our partners and exhibitors in fintech, tax collection, payment systems and solutions, e-health, food processing, environmental safety, etc.”
Abubakar promised that this year’s edition will have in attendance and a space for foreign representations, international organizations and trade missions.
“This edition would feature a special designated and curated diplomatic space for foreign representations, trade missions and international organisations to present their businesses, economic cooperation projects as well as featured products and technologies.”
“Over 500 companies are expected to participate in the 2023 edition of the Trade Fair while over 100,000 visitors within and outside Nigeria are expected in attendance. So far, over 500 companies have indicated interest and we are expecting more. The space is fast taken with very few remaining in the outdoor category.” He added
He noted that there will be other side attractions to entertain participants in the event.
“Sideline events include; business networking, B2B, B2G, B2C, special days, raffle draws, virtual and physical games, days of jollof rice, a free fashion runway show, and many more throughout the event.”
