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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello and other dignitaries are expected at the 17th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) scheduled to hold from September 30 to October 9 at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Trade Fair Complex.
Speaking at a media briefing to announce the forthcoming trade fair, the ACCI President, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar said the focus of the 17th AITF was on exports, with the theme, “Creating an Export Ready Market Through SMEs Digitisation”.
“Digitisation offers a range of opportunities for SMEs to improve performance, spur innovation, enhance productivity and compete on a more even footing with larger firms, reflecting: economies of scale; lower operation and transaction costs; and reduced information asymmetries”, he said.
Abubakar added that aside from promoting businesses, the 17th AITF will also strengthen trade and investment opportunities in the country, thus, offering a neutral and open atmosphere for blue-chip companies, trade groups/associations, and government.
“The opening ceremony for this mega business fair would take place on the 4th of October 2022,” he stated.
“Already, we have over 150 local exhibitors and 100 international exhibitors that have made bookings for their participation and many are still coming. We enjoin our media friends to circulate the information in their various media organisations for the success of this event”, he added.
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Also speaking, the Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation & PPP for FCT Administration, Agboola Lukman Dabri, who represented the FCT Minister, Mohammed Musa Bello assured of maximum security to ensure the event is successful.
He lamented the hyperbolic narratives on insecurity in Abuja, emphasising that security agencies and other stakeholders were on their toes to ensure the security of lives and property.
“The insecurity challenge is a global thing. In Abuja, I won’t say there are no challenges. There are challenges, but of recent, we have observed exaggerations to some extent, especially on social media. The exaggeration is so much to the extent that old actions were said to be done even of recent.
“So, it’s true we have some challenges. It is all over the world. But by the grace of God, it has been curtailed. There is a lot of improvement. I am a member of the security committee in FCT. I cannot divulge everything to you but I can assure you it has been curtailed as much as possible.
And the trade fair, the president is coming. A lot of people are coming and there will be no exception for it. It will be like the normal day, security will be there I can assure you and there will be cause for alarm,” he stated.
