MCCCI ready for 29th International Trade Fair

The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has expressed optimism that this year’s 29th Malawi International Trade Fair (Mitf), which starts tomorrow at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds, will be a success.

MCCCI chief operating officer Chimwemwe Luhanga yesterday said exhibitors are getting ready in line with the theme Productivity: A Source of Export Competitiveness, to highlight the need to tackle issues of productivity and lay a foundation for achieving export competitiveness.

Luhanga, however, said that there is not much of difference in this year’s fair compared to that of last year as numbers of participating exhibitors have fallen within the same range as that of last year.

 “So far, 215 exhibitors have confirmed to exhibit, occupying 256 stands. Out of these, 14 are foreign exhibitors from five countries. From international exhibitors, we have received confirmations from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, India and Tanzania,” he said.

Luhanga further said assessment of stands began yesterday and will end today for the awards which will be given during the official opening using numerous categories that have been placed accordingly.

In the wake of loosening trade arrangements and other emerging trade instruments at international level, MCCCI has pegged this year’s fair on productivity to help narrow the country’s negative trade balance.

In an earlier interview with The Nation, National Working Group on Trade Policy chairpersons Fredrick Changaya said it is time the country used policy instruments to encourage export of products. n