This year’s Lagos International Trade Fair will host 12 foreign countries

About 345 organisations have indicated interest to participate in the 26th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square from 2-11 November.

The Chairman, Marketing and Publicity Committee, Trade Promotion Board, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Michael Amoo, said this in an interview on Tuesday.

He said the 345 companies are those who have expressed their willingness to be part of the trade fair as at October 24.

Mr. Amoo said that the chamber expected the number of the exhibitors to increase before the opening day of the fair.

“Of these 345 exhibitors, 12 foreign countries such as China, Japan, Germany, Ghana, Republic of Benin and Egypt are among those coming.

“Major Nigerian Companies like Dangote, TATA and Michelin have also formally expressed their interests to participate in the 2012 edition of our trade fair.

“The foreign countries will take up the special pavilions on the cricket pitch, others will be at the club arcade and the TBS complex,” he said.

According to him, there are plans to expand the three venues for the trade fair within TBS to accommodate more exhibitors.

Mr. Amoo said that China doubled its number of exhibitors from the country “this time around’’.

He said that a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, would lead the team of officers to provide security during the trade fair.

He said that an anti-bomb squad, including some military personnel and LCCI’s internal security men would assist to secure visitors at the fair.

He said that a N200 ticket would guarantee entry into the trade fair ground, saying that the gate franchise was to enable the chamber recoup some of its expenses in organising fair.