The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has unveiled the 2023 edition of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) scheduled from Nov. 3 to Nov. 12.

Mr Leye Kupoluyi, Chairman, Trade Promotion Board, LCCI, at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos, said there would be multiple specialised fairs to mark the LCCI’s 135th anniversary at the fair.

Kupoluyi told newsmen that the 2023 LITF which is the 37th edition with the running theme “connecting businesses, creating value” would be declared open by President Bola Tinubu.

He said 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, and arts and culture and we are currently engaging with critical stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industry to actualise this project.

“The LITF has always attracted children and students over the years and this year, we are 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.

He said the the United Asia Exhibition Company was currently concluding logistics to host three different trade exhibitions at the event and urged Nigerian businesses on commercial agreements and distributorship deals.

“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.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the 2023 LITF is sponsored by the United Bank of Africa plc. (UBA) Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) United Asia International Exhibition co. Ltd.

Others are New Home Distribution Africa ltd. – distributors of Scanfrost and Sony Products in Nigeria, Dangote Group, FEDAN Investment Ltd, Lifemate Nigeria Ltd., Rite Foods, several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) among others.