The 2021 Edo Trade fair officially got underway on Friday, with the commencement of free dispute resolution services that would run for the duration of the fair.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on the side lines of the event, Mrs Aina Omo-Ojeonu, President of the Benin Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), said that the free services were being offered by the Edo Multi-Door Court.
Omo-Ojeonu said that the free dispute resolution was a measure to encourage Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to resolve disputes that had been affecting their businesses.
At the opening ceremony, she noted that trade fairs provided opportunities for MSMEs to grow, as well as expand their consumer base.
Similarly, Omo-Ojeonu said that the trade fair was to help individuals and organizations maximize outputs by combining expertise and resources together.
“We are assuring you that this year’s trade fair will provide avenues for you to break new grounds in business.
“We must begin to see our fairs beyond just an avenue for commercial activities of buying and selling.
“It is more of making contact and connections; I am optimistic that business contacts would be made at this exhibition which will be built upon hereafter”, she added.
She commended the participation of Local Government Councils in the fair, through the exhibitions of their natural and agricultural resources.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperative and Employment, Mr Joel Ediomwele, said that efforts should be made to build capacities of MSMEs to enable them grow.
He noted that the theme of the fair; “Expanding the Frontiers of MSMEs through Collaboration and Capacity Building” was apt as small businesses should be encouraged to grow.
Represented by Mrs Anthonia Afogu , a Senior officer in the ministry, the permanent secretary, said the state government was partnering with the German Development Agency (GIZ) to train 1,000 MSMEs on financial literacy.
Meanwhile, the first National Deputy President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Otunba Oye urged SMEs to embrace innovation in their business operations.
Oye said that innovation was necessary to keep SMEs in business, especially in a post-COVID 19 era.
NAN reports that the fair, which began on Nov. 12 is expected to close on Nov. 27.