By Omos Oyinbode, Asaba
The 2015 Delta Trade Expo, Friday, kicked-off in Asaba, the state capital, with high economic expectation as over 10,000 participants were expected at the ten-day event with 400 spaces allocated to various organizations.
Although at about 1:00 pm when our correspondent was to leave the venue, the Delta Resort and Event Centre-Venue of the Expo, was virtually empty, with the empty seats gazing at each other as a few persons around felt disappointed at the turn of event.
While a feeling of disappointment pervaded the air, the organizers of the event were still optimistic that the event would realize its desired goals as, according to them, indications are high for upsurge participation as the event progresses.
Speaking with our correspondent at the venue, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chris Ekiyor expressed optimism that given the level of commitments by the state government as well as the partnering private sectors, the expo would achieve the desired result.
He explained that following deluge of requests from prospective exhibitors who have indicated interest to attend the trade expo as according to them the period was short; organizers of the event have concluded arrangement to shift the closing date from May 16 to May 20.
“This is a good start and it is a departure from what it used to be in the past; definitely, with what we have done now, people will begin to develop more interest in future trade fairs in the state.
“As I am talking to you now, there are a lot of clarion calls that the exhibition should be extended so that those who are still making preparations could attend. Based on that, we are looking at the possibilities of extending the exhibition by four days. Therefore, it will now end on May 20th, Ekiyor said.
On the low turn of exhibitors on Friday, the Commissioner said that should not be a source of worry as it was the first day, noting that indications are high that exhibitors are in high spirit to attend the expo.
“We are very much prepared for this event. On the part of the state government, we have done what we are expected to do, the rest is on the part of the Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA) and the exhibitors.
“As you can see, people are already trooping in even though today is the first day of the event” Ekiyor stressed.
On his part, the consultant of the Trade Expo and Managing Director, Charles view Technology, Mr. Charles Omordia, said that the trade expo would afford entrepreneurs in the state the opportunity to not only showcase their businesses, but have business and economic interface with other entrepreneurs in the country and beyond.
