Trade fair exhibitors drop by 32 percent
Number of local businesses earmarked to participate at this year’s International Trade Fair slumped by 32 percent to 122 from last year’s 182 as at Friday.
The fair is expected to start tomorrow under the theme ‘Rebalancing Malawi’s Trade through Industrialization’.
Figures from fair the organisers, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), show that about 16 foreign firms also took part in the fair last year.
In an interview, MCCCI Head Business Linkages and Events Linda Pete, however, said the chamber expects the number to rise as other enquiries were being made.
“We shall have a better basis for comparison at the end of the event.
“We are also talking to business operators in neighboring Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. So far, some businesses from Zimbabwe have confirmed participation,” Pete said.
She said at this year’s fair, participants will focus on strides towards addressing exports hurdles the country has been facing.
According to Pete, the existing imbalance between exports and imports need to be addressed and private sector players and business would play a critical role in the drive.
“The theme this year is crafted to promote industrialisation as this is also in line with pillar two of the Malawi 2063.
“Malawi should consciously strive to move from importing almost everything we need,” Pete said.
