By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
No fewer than 1000 exhibitors from within and outside the country are expected to participate in the forthcoming maiden Yenagoa trade fair billed to hold from October 13-27 at the Peace Park in the heart of the capital city.
President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to officially declare open the fair aimed at showcasing the rich cultural and economic potentials of the state to the rest of the country and the international community.
Also expected at the fair are the following regulatory agencies, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Consumer Protection Council (CPC), National Agency for Food and Drugs Control (NAFDAC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure that only genuine products are exhibited at the stands.
Director General of Yenagoa Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (YECCIMA) Mr. Warmate Idikio, while briefing newsmen in Yenagoa said the move is part of effort to help diversify the economy of the state which is presently solely dependent on crude.
He disclosed that investors from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, South Korea and Benin Republic among others are billed to make strong presence at the two-week fiesta.
Idikio who said local producers would also be at liberty to market their products, added that the 47 Chamber of Commerce across the country and state governments would also participate in the trade fair.
He said the theme of the fair "Enhancing Regional Trade and Economic Development" was in line with the recently organised South-South Economic Summit held in Asaba, the Delta State capital earlier this year by Vanguard Newspaper.
Idikio stated that it was the thinking of YECCIMA that cashing in into this will bring about development alongside expanding businesses.
He said it would also afford the state a unique opportunity to sell its investment potentials.
Idikio said the body was partnering with the state government and a consultant firm, Maurison Communication Limited.
According to him, the trade fair would be used as a one stop shop for both the state government and private sector to showcase the existing known and unknown potentials of the state for the benefit of the economy.
"We have taken the opportunity of the abundant natural resources in the state to attract the business community within and outside Nigeria, through the diplomatic community, especially the Embassy of South Africa and several others who will use the existing goodwill to encourage their businesses at home to participate and exhibit their products and services," he said.
