By Vivian Emoni
Some vendors at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) have expressed optimism about improved sales amidst a low turnout of customers.
The local and foreign vendors expressed their optimism at the fair Abuja on Tuesday.
The fair, with its theme, “Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives and Taxation” started on Sept. 25, and will run till Oct. 6.
A trader from Ghana, Mrs Veronica Aboagye, decried the low turnout of customers at the fair, but expressed hope of a better turnout before the end of the fair.
“I am calling on Nigerians to patronise me so that my products and services are sold. I do not want to go back with my products,” she said.
A participant from China, Mr Zhang Wei, expressed confidence that there would an improved turnout in the next few days.
“I am not discouraged in any way because I trust Nigerians, Nigerians are good business people and they will surely turn out,” he said.
Mr Joseph Asogwa said that the fair would help him build relationships with customers and partners, conduct market research and evaluate competitor activities.
Asogwa said that his coming to the fair was not only to sell his products but to also establish strong relationships with both business owners, as well as local and foreign investors.
“My aim is to establish contacts from reliable and strong business people that will enhance my business, and also engage new customers.
“I am still hoping that patronage willimprove. The fair just officially opened on Monday and we are still having about a week to ho,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) called on Nigerians to support the chamber and government to make the fair a successful.
Obegolu said that the AITF would be inaugurating the BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa) initiative.
He said that it was ACCI’s initiative to promote African products and services within the continent and globally, adding that the BABA FEST would celebrate Africa’s creativity, talent and entrepreneurial energy.
“BABA FEST is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa and build Africa,” he said.
He said that this year’s fair would bring together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners.
“The effort is to examine how consumption patterns, incentives and taxation can be aligned to drive responsible production, investment and environmental stewardship, in line with the UN’ Sustainable Development Goals”’ he said.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
