10th International trade fair ends

Accra, March 8, GNA - The 10th Ghana International Trade Fair ended on Tuesday with mixed reactions from exhibitors about their experiences. Whilst some described it as successful and an improvement on the past fairs others said this year received the lowest patronage and created limited business opportunity for companies to grow. To some, the broad aim of the fair that was captured on the theme: "Networking to Unlock Ghana's Trade Potentials" did very little to develop and promote synergies among local and international participants.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the fair ground, Nana Yaa Jantuah, a local exhibitor, complained about the poor management. "It is pathetic to see some pavilions turned into entertainment arenas with music all over the place.

"In fact, it is bad and I think next time the Ghana Trade fair Company (GTFC) authorities should not condone such acts within the stands or pavilions."

Ms Efia Afrakuma, another local exhibitor, said she came mainly to sell and she realided her expectations, besides making business contacts with foreign participants.

For Ms Faustina Matey, the trade fair provided opportunity to expand one's business and she would therefore, participate in future fairs since sales should not be the only determining factor.

An Egyptian exhibitor, Mr Mahmoud El Shaier, said he made low sales because he realised that most Ghanaians were not so much interested in his silver plated Artefacts, He would therefore change the items in the next fair.

"Some exhibitors, however, made lots of sales because, perhaps they had prior knowledge of what Ghanaians like," he said.

Ms Celestina Amadi, a Nigerian, said her company had not regretted for participating in the fair because it had established contacts with Ghanaians who would like to promote the company's products locally. This year's fair attracted 700 local and 100 foreign participants including Spain, Italy, Egypt, Nigeria, Mali and Benin.