The Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), a city chamber, says it is working assiduously with the Abia State Government to improve the economy of the State, through the industrial development of Aba.
Andy Uba Obasi, president, ACCIMA, who made this assertion Monday, at the opening ceremony of the ongoing 3rd Aba International Trade Fair, holding at the Pavilion of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, explained that the annual trade fair was instituted to promote various products made-in Aba and other parts of Nigeria.
He stated that present administration in the State and at the national level are working assiduously towards boosting industrial and agricultural productivity in Nigeria, having realized that the country’s economy cannot develop faster if it continues to depend on crude oil export.
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“Here in Abia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been doing everything possible to ensure the development of Made-in-Aba goods for local and global recognition. And we in ACCIMA are following the Governor’s footsteps, by working towards the economic development of Abia State, through the industrial development of Aba.
” And part of our effort in this regard is the trade fair project, which will enable us to showcase various products made-in-Aba, to local and global markets, “he stated. The Aba international trade fair, organized by the Aba Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) covers all aspects of business and economic activities in the country and Aba in particular.
It offers a unique exposition for manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and users of a wide range of goods and services as well as opportunities for investors. It also promotes the revitalization and diversification of the country’s economy in general and Aba business environment in particular, by promoting the country’s non-oil sector-agriculture and agro-based industries, among others.
The fair, which is ongoing at the Abia State Polytechnic sports arena, is expected to attract about 200,000 visitors from within and outside the country, including businessmen, foreign and local investors, customers and top government functionaries.
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Emma Nwakpadolu, former president, ACCIMA told BUSINESS DAY in Aba that the fair would provide exhibitors with the opportunity to promote and sale their valued products to a pool of traders and consumers from the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.
“As you know Aba city is strategically located close to vibrant cities of Port Harcourt, Uyo, Calabar, Owerri, Umuahia, among others. “It has also a teaming population of patrons that comes from other regions of Nigeria and the West and Central African countries, including Cameroon and Gabon, to buy products of various ranges from Aba manufacturers, importers and traders.
“Also with the yuletide closing in, people are likely to do their shopping there at the fair. We hope that manufacturers and other service providers would utilize this once in a long while the opportunity to create a good awareness for their products, by embarking on promotions given increasing the market penetration for Eastern region and beyond.
Aba is the epicentre of business in the Southeast of Nigeria and a gateway to the oil-rich Niger Delta region serving as a natural trade route both by rail and road to various Nigerian cities. Aba touted to be the Japan of Africa, due to entrepreneurial activities that go on in the city, has talented garment and leather works makers and equipment fabricators. The theme of 2017 fair, is “Promoting trade and business interaction for the sustainable economic development of Nigeria”.
GODFREY OFURUM
