Abigail Orok, the Cross River commissioner for commerce, says the 2024 trade fair in the state will provide a platform for investment opportunities.

Ms Orok said at a press conference in Calabar that the fair would be held between November 15 and 24 at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

“It will develop new business relationships within and outside Nigeria. It is targeted as a multi-sectoral trade promotion,” she said.

The commissioner said the trade fair was in partnership with the Calabar and Ikom Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

“We are also collaborating with the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises. The event is expected to attract large participation from their members,” she said.

Ms Orok said the fair was a complementary activity to the annual Calabar Christmas Festival and aimed to assuage some participants’ yearnings.

“This is to add leisure, business and tourism to our annual festival. The event will help to advance the economic frontiers of our state,” she said.

The commissioner said the trade fair aimed to promote the state’s potential for industrial, commercial, and agricultural raw materials and minerals.

“This does not mean that the traditional buying and selling of goods and services at trade fairs will be left out,” she said. “We are expecting participants from the 18 local government areas of the state, private companies, foreign embassies, consulates, and state governments.”

(NAN)