By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has kick started activities for the 32nd edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair slated to commence on Friday, November 2 – 11, 2018, at Tafawa Belewa Square, Lagos.
Also, the fourth edition of the LCCI International Investment Conference which has also contributed brilliantly to the discourse on investment growth in Nigeria will hold on Thursday, November 1st, 2018
The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, disclosed these at a media launch of the forthcoming fair in Lagos.
He assured the stakeholders that tireless efforts are on ground to ensure hitch free and quality exhibition this years.
According to him, “This year’s event is also unique because this is the first time we are choosing a special forum to officially commence the marketing activities of the annual LITF. We are doing this because we believe in the strength and power of the press in projecting the image of the Fair and creating a positive perception.
We also believe in the ability of our valued exhibitors and members of the diplomatic corps to add value to this annual event whose focus is to connect businesses while creating values.”
Unveiling the LITF Brand Promise, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, he announced a new marketing campaign slogan that should be used year after year for the LITF thus: “Lagos International Trade Fair…… Connecting Businesses, creating value”.
Emphasizing on the new changes, Gabriel pointed out some of the Big Changes that is associated to 2018 fair include: Online registration and payment, zero tolerance to noise, musical instruments will not be allowed in the fair premises, if found will be confiscated. Excess noise, he said is injurious to our health and complained by the exhibitors and visitors.
“The LCCI central public address system will be made available to disseminate information and light music to make the environment welcoming. Besides, we are working on alternative publicity strategies that can attract quality patronage rather than making noise and becoming threat to other stakeholders at the fair. We will make findings available to all exhibitors to support their marketing efforts”, he added.
Other changes include zero tolerance to hawking, which he said does not give the fair that international ambiance it deserves; improved sectorisation of exhibition area, upgrade of facilities and improved security arrangement.
In addition to the 2018 LITF program, Gabriel said that there will be essay competition among secondary schools in Lagos State.
He explained that the LCCI have decided to make it a tradition to inculcate in our children the relevance of commerce and industry for economic development, adding that the winners of various categories will be given prices by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, during the Closing Ceremony.
LCCI, till date has recorded interest from 25 countries willing to participate in the 2018 LITF.