Dr Solomon Nyagba, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), said the 7th Abuja International Trade Fair would gulp about N30 billion.
Nyagba, who gave the figure at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, said that more than 1,000 direct and indirect exhibitors would participate in the fair.
The fair with the theme: “Transforming and Reforming SMEs as Growth Drivers for Economic Development’’, will hold from Sept. 27 to Oct. 8, at the JT Useni International Trade Fair Complex.
According to Nyagba, the chamber is looking forward to recouping its investment in the fair.
He said the fair would offer opportunities for business development, networking and exchange of ideas.
“It is also a hub for all participants to showcase their goods and services.
“Being an international trade fair, we are optimistic that the fair will woo some investors, who will in turn create job opportunities and further reduce poverty.’’
Nyagba said the previous fairs had impressive foreign participants and expressed optimism that the forthcoming one would attract same patronage.
He said the chamber had received confirmation from the Ghana Investment Promotion Commission that their business operators would attend the fair with more than 65 companies and entrepreneurs.
The ABUCCIMA boss said the Indian High Commission, Philippines, Indonesia, China, Senegal, Venezuela, among others, had also confirmed their participation.
According to him, small and medium-enterprises are tools that can be used to boost and improve Nigeria’s economy; hence incentives should be put in place to encourage them.
“To reposition our manufacturing sector as the country’s engine for growth, and as a transformation agent, we urge Government to give infrastructure overhaul a priority.
“This is because organised private sector remains a major stakeholder in the economic life of any nation.’’
He said the chamber was collaborating with Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company to provide pick-up points from all the suburbs to the trade fair to ease transportation.
He added that the chamber was conscious of the security challenges in the country and was working closely with security agencies to ensure a hitch-free fair.
Retired Gen. India Garba, the Chairman of the Trade Fair Committee, said relevant agencies had been contacted to ensure free movement for the participants especially from Ghana due to its large contingent.
ABUCCIMA, with over 2,300 registered companies, was registered in 1986 for the promotion and building of efficient and credible business practices.