ABUCCIMA begins Preparation for 2009 Trade Fair

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) has launched the prospectus for its 2009 exhibition and Trade Fair, which kicks off at Old Parade Ground in Garki, Abuja from May 7th to 18th.

The fair with the theme: ’’Public – Private Partnership (PPP) as catalyst for sustainable development’’ was launched by former chief Judge of the Federation, Alhaji Mohammed Uwais; President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Dr. Simon Okolo, and the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN).

Speaking about preparations being made for the fair, President of ABUCCIMA, Barrister Dele Oye, said the exhibition and Trade Fair, which is expected to attract participants and exhibitors from all over the world, is sponsored by Oceanic Bank plc which is also the official banker.

Oye said a workshop and seminar would be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja would hold about a month before the Trade Fair. According to him, the workshop would discuss positive trends in public-private partnership as vehicle for sustainable development of nations.

The chamber president said the Trade Fair will also feature an investment forum that would create a forum for state governments and business opportunities and projects.

He said the various for a created by the fair to discuss PPP would draw from the vast experience of Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as private companies who have championed the initiative in the country.

Oye explained that the fair will specially celebrate new innovations from both indigenous and foreign participants; and encourage universities and research institutes to participate by providing either part sponsorship or full sponsorship depending on the strategic importance of the institution to the objectives of the exhibition.

He said the fair will also provide an opportunity for entertainment by renowned Nigerian artistes after every trading and exhibition day. Oye said this has become the tradition of Abuja fair every year.
NACCIMA recently stated that it was standing firmly behind ABUCCIMA as it tackles the challenge of taking private sector to higher heights in the Federal Capital Territory.
Okolo, who made the declaration at the inauguration of the President and council of ABUCCIMA in Abuja, said it was the responsibility of NACCIMA, being the national body, to see to the success of its constituents, “ABUCCIMA is one of the constituent chambers of NACCIMA so it is our responsibility to see to it that the chamber does not only achieve its vision but also successfully put the private sector in its pride of place in the FCT and foster a productive relationship between business leaders and government’’, he said