LCCI hopeful of improved linkages, FDI inflow at 2018 trade fair

With the various reforms it embarked upon, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stated that this year’s edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) would increase opportunities for business linkages and inflow of investments into the country.

According to the chamber, some of the big changes expected at this year’s fair border on automation of booking of space and registration for participation, review of exhibitors’ rules, especially as it relates to environmental activities, improved sectorisation of exhibition area and upgrade of facilities and security arrangement.

Indeed, the chamber stated that the fair will not only promote trade, but also aid inflow of investments in the country through partnerships among exhibitors.
Specifically, the Organisers of the 2018 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), LCCI announced that this year’s fair, scheduled to hold from Friday 2nd November to Sunday 11th November, 2018 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos, is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s quest to achieve a virile industrialised economy by providing a platform for the nation’s industrial, manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and service sectors.

The Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa said this year’s fair, seeks to connect businesses and create value for stakeholders and it is apt and timely in the face of the current economic realities which underscores the need for diversification and inter-sectoral synergy.

Idahosa, who was speaking when members of the Board paid a courtesy visit to The Guardian, yesterday, said the exhibition, like others in the time past, will enjoy foreign participation, while efforts have been made to ensure investment opportunities are created in a bid to deepen bilateral ties.

“This year, exhibitors can now sit in the comfort of their offices, register, pay and book for a space of their choice. The process has been designed to be seamless and friendly. On noise pollution, the use of music gadgets in exhibitors’ stands will not be allowed.

“Our Central Public Address system will be made available to disseminate information and light music to make the environment welcoming. The objective is to raise the profile of the fair”, he added.

On the state of industrialisation in the country, Idahosa said there has been significant improvement in industrial activities, noting that there is however room for improvement, considering the country’s potential and the need to compete among developed entities.