Some vendors at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair have expressed optimism about improved sales amidst a low turnout of customers.

The local and foreign vendors expressed optimism in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday.

The fair, with its theme ‘Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives and Taxation’, started on September 25 and will run until October 6.

A trader from Ghana, Veronica Aboagye, lamented the low turnout of customers at the fair but expressed hope for a better turnout before the end of the event.

“I am calling on Nigerians to patronise me so that my products and services are sold. I do not want to go back with  my products,” she said.

A participant from China, Zhang Wei, expressed confidence that there would be an improved turnout in the next few days.

“I am not discouraged in any way because I trust Nigerians; Nigerians are good business people and they will surely turn out,” he said.

Joseph Asogwa stated that the fair would enable him to build relationships with customers and partners, conduct market research, and assess competitor activities.

Mr Asogwa said that his attendance at the fair was not only to sell his products but also to establish strong relationships with both business owners and local and foreign investors.

“My aim is to establish contacts with reliable and strong business people who will enhance my business, and also engage new customers. I am still hoping that patronage will improve. The fair just officially opened on Monday, and we have about a week to go,” he said.

Meanwhile, Emeka Obegolu, president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called on Nigerians to support the chamber and government to make the fair a success.

Mr Obegolu said that the AITF would be inaugurating the BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa) initiative. He said that it was ACCI’s initiative to promote African products and services within the continent and globally, adding that the BABA FEST would celebrate Africa’s creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial energy.

“BABA FEST is a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa,” he said.

He said that this year’s fair would bring together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners.

“The effort is to examine how consumption patterns, incentives and taxation can be aligned to drive responsible production, investment and environmental stewardship, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. 

(NAN)