From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Government is expecting over 10,000 participants at the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair taking place from November 28 to December 7, 2024.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Ikechukwu Emetu while addressing journalists at Government House Umuahia during a world press conference organized to present a progress report on the preparations for the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair taking place at the Aba Mega Mall located along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
Emetu said there was need to give updates on the extent of preparations for the forthcoming Trade Fair which would be jointly hosted by the Abia State Government and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).
“We are expecting over 10,000 participants from different parts of the country and beyond for the Aba Trade Fair to exhibit their products and innovations, shop for their business and household needs and make important business and social connections.
” I would like to assure everyone that our commitment to working with ACCIMA and other partners to deliver a first-of-its-kind event remains firm.”
The Deputy Governor who doubles as the Chairman 2024 Aba International Trade Fair said that government would ensure adequate security during the 10 days event.
“We are anticipating the influx of visitors, business people and shoppers to Aba for the Trade Fair. We have therefore taken steps to guarantee effective security arrangements for everyone no matter what part of the town they are staying in.
“The Government will go one step further for this Trade Fair by working effectively with all national and local security organisations to keep everyone who will be in Aba for the Trade Fair very safe.
“Security infrastructure and personnel shall be deployed at the venue of the Trade Fair for round-the-clock surveillance operations so as to guarantee the safety of the participants, their products and other critical infrastructure that will be set up at the venue.”
Emetu equally assured that government would provide free transportation to and fro the trade fair venue.
He said that the setting up and mapping of the site plan at the Trade Fair ground is expected to commence in the next few days, adding that the committee is expected to begin the allocation of booths to subscribers which he said would be done on a first come, first served basis.
He used the opportunity to invite local and international businesses hoping to take part in the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair to hurry and pay up as there are limited spaces available.