Ogun state government collaborates chambers of commerce on fair to foster trade, investment

The Ogun State Government in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture have concluded arrangements to host the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair, which is aimed to foster trade and investment in the state.

Penpushing reports that the Commissioner for Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment Emmanuel Sofela made this known at a press conference held on Thursday at the headquarters of the chambers located with the premises of Moshood Abiola International Tradefair Complex, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner explained that the tradefair is scheduled to hold between April 19th to April 29th, 2024, at the Trade Fair Complex, Laderin Abeokuta, adding that the fair serves as a premier platform for showcasing the economic potential of the state, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and fostering partnerships both locally and internationally.

‘I am pleased to emphasize that the Ogun State Government is fully committed to providing a conducive environment for the success of this event. We recognize the pivotal role that such events play in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness of our local industries’.

‘Therefore, we have spared no effort in ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a seamless and fruitful experience for all participants. As part of our efforts to make the 13th Gateway Trade Fair 2024 a resounding success, we have introduced some innovations’, he stated

Penpushing further reports that Sofela represented by Special Adviser to Governor on Trade and Investment,  Oluyemisi Somorin-Dawodu explained that the innovations include provision of free bus transportation from Kuto to the Trade Fair ground at Laderin and back to town, introduction of an entertainment village, where participants and visitors to the fair can relax and enjoy their time with loved ones.

The other provisions include a daily raffle ticket draw, with consolidated prizes to be won on a daily basis, disclosing that Governor Dapo Abiodun has graciously approved the donation of a two-bedroom flat for this purpose, adding that in same vein, provision of a sick bay for medical checkups at the Trade Fair will be on ground.

‘As we stand on the brink of this exciting event, I urge all stakeholders to be fully engaged in making the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair a resounding success. Let us leverage this opportunity to showcase the rich diversity of our industries, highlight our state’s investment potential, and forge meaningful collaborations that will propel us towards greater prosperity’, he emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that earlier in his speech President Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Engr. Mike Akingbade said the trade fair is an exhibition designed for industries to showcase their products and services with the aim of creating awareness, examining market trends and opportunities, maintaining customer relations, and prospecting for new businesses.

‘OGUNCCIMA – Gateway International Trade Fair is a dynamic convergence of diverse industries, bringing together a wide array of exhibitors representing industry, trade, agriculture, and services. It is a veritable platform for fostering business exchange between local and international stakeholders through B2B, B2G, and B2C networking, which is a key focus of this 13th Edition, Akingbade said.

‘This 13th edition of the Gateway International Trade Fair is also geared towards connecting businesses and creating a platform for policymakers and regulatory agencies to interact with the business community, with a view to understanding and appreciating each other’s vital role in the development of the state economy, job creation, and overall prosperity’, he added.

Penpushing reports that the chambers boss boasted that this year’s edition will be climaxed with a raffle draw, disclosing that the star prize is a 2-bedroom bungalow courtesy of the Ogun State Government in collaboration with chambers of commerce.

‘Similarly, for the first time in the history of Ogun State International Trade Fair, an Entertainment Village is being created for relaxation and social engagements. There will be no dull moment. I want to call on media practitioners to use the event of the Gateway International Trade Fair to showcase to the outside world the investment opportunities in Ogun State’.

‘OGUNCCIMA is joining the Ogun State government in “building our future together in the area of Agribusiness, to increase her productivity, and to encourage and develop SMEs through the influx of investors into the state, making her the investment place of choice’, Akingbade emphaised.

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