Aba International Trade Fair on Friday, witnessed tremendous turnout as many traders arrives for goods exhibition at the 10 days faire taking place at the Aba Mega Mall.
The 2024 Aba International Trade Fair is jointly sponsored by Abia State Government and Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).
The Trade Fair which started on November. 28 to end on December 7 witnesses low turnout on the first day as few traders were still renting their stand.
Some traders who spoke to our correspondent at the venue expressed hope of successful trade fair in spite of the low turnout on the first day.
Dr. Sam Kalu Ngelle said the traders fair will be a success, noting that the fair is gradually coming to live as the day passes on.
“We are at the Aba Mega Mall along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, where the government is organising it’s International Trade Fair to showcase our products.
“Actually, It is 10 day programme that just started yesterday and today is the second day, the population is gradually increasing and that shows that people are interested in the exhibition,” he said.
The coordinator for Victory Farmers and Traders Foundation, Osisioma Local Government Onwunata Okechukwu said,
the government planned well for the Trade Fair.
He said the trade fair was going on well and that his association was out to showcase it’s product and wish that government extend the days beyond December 7.
“From the look of things, is like this trade fair will be a success and will even surpass the previous ones in the state.
“In spite the trade Fair starting on low key, i believed that things will improve on the coming days and i know that there will be lot of buy and selling,” he said.
Another trader, Mrs Esther Ibekwe who sales ladies wears said she was yet to see the flavour of the trade fair, saying the trade fair was not moving as she expected.
“By now, this programme should have been booming, people coming enmass to patronise us but people are still renting thier tent and no customers coming forth,” Ibekwe said.
She urged the government to improve in it’s publicity and preparation to improve on the standard so that, traders far and wide will attend.
Mr Adindu Uwadi who sales house appliances said the trade fair is below starting point and said that government should have done better..
“Though, our people are not good at starting things early as they always take things serious at late hours and that was why traders were still fixing their stands and tents, Uwadi said.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama