BLANTYRE (MaraviPost) — Representatives of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) have described the just ended international trade fair as a success as it has led to realization of trade deals and partnerships among the business community within and without the country.
The week long trade fair was officially opened by President Peter Mutharika who promised the nation that his government will work on improving the business environment to be favourable to both local and foreign investors.
However, the fair failed to live to expectations of the organizers as it was poorly patronized by international business exhibitors.
The fair, held under the theme “Productivity a Key to Exploiting Export Opportunities,” was dominated by local exhibitors who showcased the cream of their locally produced products.
MCCCI Manager for Membership Services and Communication Natasha Poya Kaleya said the success of the fair dwelt much on the fact that unlike the past fairs, this year’s event attracted massive participation from local exhibitors and consumers.
“We can confidently say that this year’s international trade fair was successful, we managed to have massive patronage and participation.
“The whole essence of the fair is that we are promoting business and trade, so with promoting business and trade participants are coming in with new products and services that have just been introduced on the market with the aim to outshine others and traders learn through such innovations,” said Kaleya.
He also said that the fair also focuses on issues of business networking.
“People network with new companies, new organizations and new personalities. This concept has been achieved more than it was last year,” he said.
As an agrarian nation the agricultural products took Centre stage from local exhibitors along with other related products and services.