Ongwediva
The Helao Nafidi Town Council will for the first time host its annual Business Expo from its just constructed business centre at the town.
Previously the expo was held at an open area, but many exhibitors had complained about being exposed to dust and an unfriendly environment, local economic developer Selma Shekuza-Kapembe told New Era on Tuesday. The expo, its 12th hosting, kicks off this Friday until October 29.
According to Shekuza-Kapembe the long awaited business expo centre boasts three halls, four blocks of ablution facilities, a football field, and a netball and volleyball court.
Two of the halls will be used for exhibition purposes while the remaining one will be used for the official opening.
“The centre is complete and we are just adding the final touches. By Thursday we will be allocating stalls as planned,” related Shekuza-Kapembe.
According to Shekuza-Kapembe the business expo has so far registered 284 exhibitors compared to 250 at the same time last year.
She adds that there is still space in the exhibition halls and encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and corporate companies still to apply.
In addition to the local exhibitors, the expo has attracted several international exhibitors.
“Our improved infrastructure has aided in attracting international exhibitors,” related Shekuza-Kapembe. She said the expo period was intentionally lengthened from six days to nine days to allow exhibitors enough time to exhibit their products and empower themselves economically.
“The exhibitors now have two complete weekends to exhibit their products, which is a good opportunity also to raise income and advertise their services and products,” said the local economic developer.
The town council looks forward to surpassing the 6 330 visitors to last year’s expo.