ECCIMA President allays fears over coronavirus at 31st Enugu International Trade Fair

THE President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Sir Emeka Nwandu, has called on the Federal Government to fully develop Enugu International Trade Fair Complex even as he allayed fears that corona-virus would affect foreign participation in the forthcoming 31st Enugu International Trade Fair scheduled for March 31-23, this year.

Nwandu who briefed journalists in Enugu on Wednesday on their preparation for the International trade fair, said precautionary measures have been put in place while Chinese nationals, in particular, would be represented by their representatives in Nigeria, adding that arrangements had been concluded to have a successful fair in Enugu.

According to him, despite the challenges in the economic environment especially the closing down of the Akanu-Ibiam International airport, Enugu, this year’s International Trade Fair would boost technological advancement by encouraging the participation of researchers, inventors and creative thinkers as a nexus towards commercialization of research findings including robust indulgence in promoting the fair.

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“The Fair would also get more credence and attention towards boosting the agricultural sector and particularly commercial farming for the much-needed job creation and food security with the attendant linkages and value chain benefits through the processing of raw materials/agro-allied industries.

The ECCIMA boss maintained that the Fair would further propel the development of the small and medium enterprises which is key to the nation’s development, adding that they would continue to upgrade facilities in the fair complex within their limited resources.

“It is heartwarming to note that Enugu State remains a very peaceful landscape and since we began the hosting of the Enugu International Trade Fair, we have not experienced any security breach and we remain optimistic and prayerful that the 31st edition will not be an exception”.