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.
They attributed the low turnout and patronage to the dwindling economy occasioned by the recent fuel hike.
Other participants who thumbed up the fair’s performance noted that it demonstrated the resilience of Nigerian businesses, notwithstanding economic downturns.
One of the participants, Caleb Ezenwa, who works with the cosmetics arm of the Ekulu Group of Companies, said he was happy to be at the fair but lamented that patronage was still low this year compared to previous years.
Another participant, Friday Olabisi, who deals in textiles, noted that the fair was well-organised but could be improved with wider publicity.
Mr Olabisi urged the fair’s management to invest more in advertising through radio jingles, television, and newspapers to build a strong audience and attract more participants to the next trade fair.
A shopper, Uchechukwu Ikegwuonwu, said she was at the fair to buy goods and that buying there was less stressful than in the open market.
Mrs Ikegwuonwu applauded the chamber for creating a conducive environment for shoppers, especially with the newly built, fully air-conditioned 3000-square-metre tent.
On his part, Solomon Ani said he came to the fair to see some innovations and ideas, as well as to interact with manufacturers, which he did.
A dealer in body spray and perfume, John Udekwe, said that although the turnout at the fair was initially not encouraging, his company still managed to make modest sales.
Responding, the Director-General of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Uche Mba, attributed the fair’s moderate attendance of exhibitors and visitors to the current socioeconomic situation.
Mr Mba said that some companies that earlier declared their intention to participate in the fair withdrew due to the current high cost of petroleum products nationwide.
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The director-general, however, said this year’s fair was an improvement over last year’s despite the socioeconomic challenges.
He noted that there were new offerings, including free business-class for youths and start-ups, a daily lottery, and free transportation, which helped increase participation and made them more active at the fair.
He enumerated some of the challenges faced at the fair, including power outages and the high cost of diesel for the generators at the fairground.
The fair, with the theme “Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for Global Competitiveness,” kicked off on 21 March and was meant to last for 10 days.
However, it was extended by two days, bringing its closure to 1 April after organisers granted the request of most exhibitors, who appealed for more days to make more sales ahead of the Easter festivity.
(NAN)
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