MCCCI faces infrastructure challenge ahead of fair
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) says it is facing infrastructure challenges to accommodate more exhibitors ahead of the 28th Malawi International Trade Fair (Mitf) which officially opens today at Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre.
MCCCI chief operating officer Chimwemwe Luhanga told a news conference in Blantyre on Friday the trade fair grounds can only accommodate 90 exhibitors out of the interested 140.
Mitf, to be held under the theme Achieving Competitiveness through Innovation, will be officially opened by President Peter Mutharika. The fair will run for 13 days up to May 30 2016.
“Inadequate infrastructure is one of the challenges that the chamber is facing, and currently, we are working towards that and we want to upgrade the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds to international standards,” he said.
The trade fair seeks to provide a platform for local and international participants to showcase their exhibitions and network with local businesses.
One of the entrepreneurs in the convertible car park stand, Charles Moffat, expressed optimism over this year’s fair.
“I have travelled all the way from Lilongwe to make use of this opportunity and I am hoping to build business linkages as well as open new markets for my cloth making line,” he said.
So far, 164 companies comprising 15 foreign companies from seven countries have confirmed to exhibit their goods and services.
The companies will occupy 245 stands compared to 240 stands last year.
