500 Farmers For S-South Trade Fair

The Forum for South-South Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture [FOSSCCIMA], says over 500 local and foreign exhibitors have indicated interest to participate in its maiden Trade Fair to be hosted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
This was contained in a statement issued by the chamber’s President, Billy Gillis-Harry, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday.
“We are expecting over 500 companies from across the country and the West African region, especially those with existing businesses and interests in the region.
“Also expected to attend are others wishing to tap and leverage on the huge market opportunities and potentials of the chamber,’’ it said.
Gillis–Harry said that the trade fair was scheduled to hold from April 10 to April 30 at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.
He gave the theme of the trade fair as “Growing the South-South Economy to Establish Enduring Peace and Security of the Region and Impact Nigeria”.
The president said that the fair which would attract different companies from West Africa to showcase their products, would also provide jobs for over 250 youths.
He said over 1,000 schools were also expected to participate in the fair with a view to showcasing their talents.
“It is a multi-sectoral trade fair which will provide an ideal and perfect business matchmaking platform for manufacturers, importers, service providers, traders, investors and visitors to meet and discuss business opportunities,’’ he said.
He said products to be showcased at the fair would include proceeds from the manufacturing industry in Nigeria and beyond.
This, according to him, are products like food and beverages, textiles, fashion, accessories, footwear, gifts and decorative items, toys, health and beauty products.
Other products to be exhibited are: household and kitchen utensils; jewelleries; stationeries; industrial equipment; electronics; communication equipment and accessories .
The president also said that commercial banks and insurance firms would showcase their banking and financial products and various insurance schemes at the fair.
He said that FOSSCCIMA would also organise the “Nights of Stars’’ designed to identify and showcase potential young talents from the region.
He said that over N2million cash award prizes had been made available for constants in four categories of singing, dancing, comedy and Disco Jockey (DJ).
According to him, winners will be given a recording, performing and marketing contract by FOSSCCIMA.
Gillis-Harry said the chamber had extended invitation to renowned producers, music marketing companies and artiste managers to help select, supervise and nurture the dreams of the youths to fruition.