Fair
By Stanley Nwanosike
The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), says the current economic challenges affected the just concluded 37th Enugu International Trade Fair.
The President of ECCIMA, Mr Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, made the disclosure during the closing of the fair after an extension of two days.
Onyemelukwe, represented by the first Deputy President of ECCIMA, Dr Eric Chime, also assured that ECCIMA management would fashion out new initiatives to improve the next edition of the fair.
He said that the fair was extended for two days to enable exhibitors sell more of their goods ahead of Easter festivities.
Onyemelukwe noted that the poor state of the economy affected the fair as a result of the prices of petroleum products, but ECCIMA was able to pull through.
“The poor state of our national economy, especially, the recent hike of the prices of refined petroleum products, was a point of concern to us few weeks before the opening of the fair.
“Yet participants surmounted all hurdles with us to jointly rebuild and revive the Enugu International Trade Fair.
“Honestly, the result is there, for all to see as the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair is an improvement of the 36th edition.
“I believe that in spite of all, deals have been sealed, relationships created and proper networks established. These are the reasons why we have fairs,” he said.
The ECCIMA boss, however, apologised for any perceived shortfall at the fair, while promising that the forthcoming fair would be better.
“Let me apologise for any shortfall in our expectations. The chamber is assuring all our dear participants that measures are already put in place to ensure that we give the best to you, next year.
“Things can only get better and that is why I confidently invite you to the 38th Enugu International Trade Fair which has been scheduled, tentatively, to hold from March 12, 2027 to March 22, 2027.
“Registration has already started as you can enjoy about 10 per cent discount on our early bird registration which will last till Nov. 30, 2026,” he said.
The ECCIMA president said that the fair management had taken note of the concerns and feedbacks of exhibitors with a view to improving the coming fairs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
