The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has revealed that preparations are underway to hold its annual trade fair exhibition amidst celebration in honour of its 37th anniversary.

LCCI disclosed this when it unveiled the 2023 edition of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), scheduled to be held from Nov. 3 to Nov. 12, during a press briefing in Lagos.

Addressing newsmen, Mr. Leye Kupoluyi, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, LCCI,  noted that this year’s edition is special being the 37th edition.

Revealing the theme as  “Connecting Businesses, Creating value”, Kupoluyi explained that it would be declared open by President Bola Tinubu. He assured participants that the chamber will showcase multiple specialised fairs to mark the LCCI’s 135th anniversary at the fair for the benefits of participants.

According to him, the multiple specialised fairs to mark the LCCI’s 135th anniversary included an entertainment village, Children’s Corner, Tech Hub, Africa Hall, Lagos Island Connect, United Asia International Exhibition, and LCCI Mentees.

“As business people, the chamber is very aware of the contribution of the creative and entertainment industry to the Nigerian economy, and the media as a stakeholder, has been a major driver.

“The entertainment village will provide a platform to showcase Nigerian music, fashion, food, arts and culture. We are currently engaging with critical stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industry to actualise this project,” he said.

The Chairman, Trade Promotion Board pointed out that the LITF has always attracted children and students over the years and that, this year, the board is planning to have a children’s corner where invited and visiting children will be treated to a juvenile experience with food, drinks, music, games and quizzes.

“The LITF tech hub is a single pavilion that hosts techpreneurs, tech enthusiasts in telecoms, software and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to showcase their innovative products and services,” he said.

Kupoluyi revealed that, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago, about 200 exhibitors from China would be attending the LITF while almost all 54 African countries had been invited to the event.

The commerce advocate affirmed that this year is poised to witness a new inspiring dimension, as it will be hosting both local and international participants across Africa and the globe. These, according to him, include several  leading companies and brands.

“The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Japanese hall has become a major attraction at the Lagos International Trade Fair and there will be a three -day free entry for visitors at the fair this year. It is my sincere hope that when the fair is declared closed by the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we shall all proclaim the 2023 LITF as the best so far in 37 years,” he said.

As its annual tradition, several brands are already jostling to be identified with the global exhibition to support as partners.