ENUGU- A cross section of participants at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair have expressed mixed reactions over patronage and visitation to the fair.
While some participants complained about the low turnout of exhibitors and visitors, others commended the sterling performance of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).
They attributed the low turnout of people and low patronage to the dwindling economy occasioned by the recent fuel hike.
Other participants, who thumbed up for the performance of the fair, noted that the fair showed resilience of Nigerian businesses notwithstanding economic downturns.
One of the participants, Mr. Caleb Ezenwa, who works with cosmetics arm of the Ekulu Group of companies, said that he was happy to be in the fair but lamented that the patronage was still low this year compared to previous years.
Another participant, Mr Friday Olabisi, who deal on textiles, noted that the fair was well organised but there were rooms for improvement especially through wide publicity.
Olabisi urged the management of the fair to invest more in advertisement through radio jingles, television and newspapers to create good audience and attract more participants in the next trade fair.
A shopper, Mrs Uchechukwu Ikegwuonwu, who said that she was at the fair to buy some goods, said that buying things in the trade fair was less stressful than the open market.
Ikegwuonwu applauded the chamber for creating a conducive environment for shoppers especially with the newly-built and fully air conditioned 3000 square metre tent.
On his part, Mr Solomon Ani, said he came to the fair to see some nnovations and ideas as well as interact with manufacturers, which he achieved.
A dealer on body spray and perfume, Mr John Udekwe, said although the turnout of people at the fair was not encouraging initially, his company managed to make modest sales.
Responding, Director-General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Uche Mba, attributed the moderate attendance of exhibitors and visitors to the fair to the present socioeconomic situation.
Mba said that some companies that earlier declared intention to be at the fair, withdrew as a result of present high cost of petroleum products being experienced nationwide.
The director-general, however, said this year’s fair was an improvement of what was seen last year in spite of the socioeconomic challenges.
He noted that there were new introductions including free business class for youths and start-ups, daily lottery and free transportation, which helped to increase participation and made them more active at the fair.
Mbah enumerated some of the challenges faced at the fair, which included power outages and high cost of diesel to power the generators at the fair ground.
The fair, which is themed: “Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) for Global Competitiveness,” kicked-off on March 21 and it was meant to last for 10 days.
However, the fair was extended by two days, bringing its closure to April 1 after ECCIMA granted the request of most exhibitors, who appealed for more days to make more sales ahead of the Easter festivity. (NAN)
