Economy: Buhari reiterates FG’s commitment to partner with private sector
… As Exhibitors hopeful of good business at 43rd Kaduna Int’l Trade Fair
President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated the commitment of his administration in partnering with the private sector to move the Nigerian economy.
The President, represented by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, stated this on Saturday in Kaduna while declaring open, the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair.
According to him, the theme of the fair, which is “Re-Strategising Nigeria’s Economy for Global Competitiveness” aptly captures the country’s development priorities.
He said the recent COVID-19 Pandemic and its attendant effects on crude oil prices, foreign exchange and investment inflows, had shown that there was need to modify thinking on investment to guarantee Nigeria’s economic security.
“Our need to drive job-intensive economic growth means that we have to enable investment in areas with high potential for job creation and reducing the demand for foreign exchange,” he said.
He reiterated that government was focusing on resolving the challenges in the business environment.
According to him, various teams are implementing various initiatives and policies that address key areas of concern such as the need for modern infrastructure, power supply and good road network across the country, among other challenges.
The President commended KADCCIMA, for organising the Fair, as well as Kaduna State Government, for being one of the most frequently mentioned destinations for investors.
In his remarks, President of KADCCIMA, Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, said choice of the theme for the Fair was anchored on the need to focus attention on the efforts of Nigerian Government in revamping the dwindling fortunes of the economy.
He stated that the Chamber found it compelling to respond to the clarion call of the Federal Government by offering the Business Community and MDAs, a platform to exchange views and synergise.
According to him, the 43rd edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair, with its exhibition and flagship events, encapsulates all initiatives in this regard.
On his part, Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-rufai, commended KADCCIMA for organising the annual event, which provided opportunities for participants to showcase their products to boost the economy.
He called on the participants to make the best use of the opportunities provided by the Fair.
Meanwhile, Exhibitors at the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair on Sunday expressed hope that the fair would be fruitful in spite of economic challenges.
Exhibitors who spoke at the Trade Fair Complex also expressed confidence that they would enter into fresh and profitable business deals and partnerships.
One of them, Mr. Fasal Ghaffar, Salesman for WELCO Industries, Pakistan, told journalists that he had been attending the Trade Fair in the last five years, selling cooking pots and other kitchen wares.
Ghaffar said that earlier editions of the Fair had been very impressive as they drew huge crowds and good business deals.
He noted that while the on-going 43rd edition took place at a time when Nigeria’s economy was facing serious challenges; there were prospects for good business deals.
“I come here every year to sell different cooking pots, unbreakable plates, vegetable cutters, and all kinds of kitchen wares. Previous editions had been very good.
“This year, the economy is down. There is insecurity in some parts of the country and in Kaduna State in particular. Notwithstanding, we are still optimistic that we will make some good returns,” he said.
Another exhibitor, Mr. Ali Hassan, an Egyptian, told journalists that he had been attending the Kaduna International Trade Fair for many years, but was not able to make the 42nd edition because of COVID-19.
Hassan said while there might not be many exhibitors in 2022, he was hopeful of making sales and creating new contacts for future business deals.
“If I did not sell all my goods, I will keep them till next year,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Musa Usman, Marketing Manager, Springfield Agro, dealers in Mahindra Tractors from India, said that this was the third time the company was participating in theFair.
Usman said the Fair was not as crowded as previous editions when on the second day, the whole complex was be filled with people.
He pointed out that the purpose of the Fair was not to make instant sales, but to get contacts, build business partnerships, and create new business networks and collaborations.
He said that the company’s participation in the previous editions of the Fair was satisfactory because the new contacts followed up and made purchases of tractors and other farm tools.
He said that there was low turnout of exhibitors and people in the 42nd edition due to COVID-19, but expressed hope that the 2022 43rd edition would be different.
“I am expecting more people because COVID-19 is being brought under control and security has significantly improved,’’ he said.
Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, President, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, organisers of the fair also noted that attendance was low compared to previous editions.
Aliyu attributed the development to COVID-19 travel restrictions and advisories coupled with the unfortunate incidences of banditry.
He, nevertheless, said that as many as 30 companies from different countries would attend the trade fair which began on Feb. 25 and would end on March 6.
