Malawi to host diplomatic fair

Malawi is for the first time set to host the Annual Diplomatic Fair, an event that will provide a platform for the diplomatic community to interact with the public and the business community.

In an interview, Ambassador Kena Mphonda, founder of the host firm Capital Executives Services, said the event, slated for September in Lilongwe, will bring together ambassadors and consuls to interact with the public and the business community to explore potential areas of business cooperation and opportunities.

He said: “The event is designed as a public and cultural diplomatic tool which enables diplomatic missions to showcase their culture, cuisine, tourism, education and business opportunities in their respective countries.”

Mphonda, a career diplomat whose last post was Malawi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, said the fair will present businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services to the diplomatic community.

He said: “The members of the diplomatic community have different needs when they come to Malawi. They will need vehicles for transportation, hotels and resorts where they can lodge and relax when they come to Malawi.

“The fair presents an opportunity for key players in their respective industries to interface directly with this clientele and secure some business for themselves.”

On the other hand, Mphonda said diplomatic missions and international organisations will use the platform to showcase the services offered to the public such as visa and consular services.

“A limited number of stands has been set to allow effective interaction. There will be tickets on sale to access the venue. There are also limited slots for partners in the platinum, gold and silver category,” he said.

Commenting on the development, former Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Chimango Chirwa said the Diplomatic Fair is a welcome idea and a huge opportunity to position Lilongwe City as a vibrant diplomatic hub.

“We live in a global village and such events are very important because they bridge the cultural diplomacy gaps that may exist because of lack of knowledge or lack of appreciation of different cultures.”