Companies and business persons are heightening preparations ahead of the Promotional Trade Fair billed for the nation's capital from November 21-December 21,2008.Organized by the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Craft, the Trade Fair shall exhibit products and services offered at home and abroad alongside other attractions. An innovation this year shall limit the number of brewery companies to participate.
By Irene Zih Fon
At a press conference held recently in Douala, the president of the organizing committee, Mr Njanga Ebeneser, said 60% of preparatory work has been attained and participants are expected to have paid for their stands about a week to the event, precisely by November 15, 2008. Preparations include the creation of awareness, the mobilization of potential exibitors and serving as an intermediary between the the media and participants.
Concerning the conditions of participation at the Trade Fair, exhibitors should be an established company, structure or businessman in the Country of origin, registered with the authorities and paying taxes, having a social responsibility at the region of operation and be able to pay for a stand. There are no restrictions to nationality.
According to a communication official at the Chamber of Commerce, an innovation at this 29th edition of the Trade Fair would ensure there’s no open tender to brewery companies, unlike last year during which all such companies were allowed in. The reason for this action is to avoid brewery companies ‘stealing the show’ and turning it into a drinking spree. In as much as events like this require such means of socializing, the organisers wish that the activities of brewery companies be orderly and the consumption of alcohol moderate. They see this precaution as another way of fostering a positive image of Cameroon. In this regard, brewery companies can partner with restoration structures.
The National Trade Fair shall feature exhibition and sales throughout the month, a publicity caravan on Saturday November 29, 2008 and talks on "The Creation of Enterprises" from December 12-20. Industrial and manufacturing companies will have the opportunity to showcase their products, service-oriented companies will do same while incorporating foreign businesses. Exhibitors are expected from all five continents and hundreds of stands shall be erected.
Craft business companies will be given special attention during the Trade Fair, as this sector contributes greatly in exhibiting Cameroon’s rich culture which is an important role by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Craft. Products which best represent Cameroon’s handicraft potential is encouraged by the organisers, especially that which can subsequently be exported. There shall also be a chance for the promotion of different professons and job exchange,meanwhile the unemployed will be treated to self-employment schemes, training and consulting.
A business corner at ‘Promo 2008’ shall create a networking forum with partners, enable entrepreneurs to test the success of their products on the market and even advertise from a poduim to be monted at the occasion. Companies shall decide on which activities to present on the podium, whch could include raffle draws and question/answer slots . Promotional shows will comprise Live music and cultural manifestations. The height of the event shall be a contest for the ‘Best Stand’ and the ‘Best Craftsman’ at Promo 2008. A corner shall be reserved for industrial and technological innovations.
A second innovation decided on this year and due to go operational in 2009, is the organization of the Trade Fair at the regional level notably in Douala, Bamenda, Bafoussam and Garoua in addition to Yaounde. The Cameroon Chamber of Commerce has as major preocupation to lobby for government, sell the image of Cameroon, assist the private sector to grow and mediate between the public and private sectors.
A press conference ahead of Promo 2008 due at the TSINGA FAIR GROUND is planned for November 17,2008 in Yaounde. © The Entrepreneur Newspaper 2008. All Rights Reserved
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