Chinese Exhibitors Now On Tour 2011/04/29 at 7:12 pm
Authorities at the Ghana Trade Fair Centre (GTFC) on Wednesday denied a recent report by Business Guide, which stated that some Chinese exhibitors, who were supposed to participate in the ongoing 15th Ghana International Trade Fair at the Trade fair site, had deserted their stands at La, Accra.
Even though a lot of exhibitors corroborated the story during interviews at the site, authorities say the fair has been successful.
Exhibitors who spoke to this newspaper said they had to appeal for an extension of the exhibition because they are yet to witness improved patronage since the start of the fair.
Seth Asamoah, Chief Marketing Manager said: ?I am here to announce the extension of the 15th GITF from today to Saturday, March 12, 2011.
This has come about partly because we had a highly successful exhibition. The crowd that descended on our premises last Sunday and Monday was unprecedented with records regarding entry broken.?
He continued that the ?exhibitors have also requested for an extension to enable them savour the sweet aroma of success.?
Describing the Business Guide report as a complete fabrication, Mr Asamoah continued that unlike most exhibitors, the Chinese brought highly sought after exhibits which, not surprisingly, were snapped up within 48 hours of display.
?All their goods were bought leaving them with nothing to show. They quickly made contacts with other businesses and having achieved their aim, they requested that they be allowed to tour Ghana because this was the first time some of them were in Ghana.
?This request was gladly accepted and as we speak right now, they are on a tour. A visit to their stand will reveal only a number of motorcycles on display.
These motorcycles have been bought after customs valuation and payments.?
However, exhibitors interviewed by this reporter emphatically stated that the fair has fallen short of their expectations.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the exhibitors expressed fear that the authorities might refuse to grant them exhibition space at the site in future.
?The e-ticketing system has warded off a lot of visitors and we are having to pay for this after paying for exhibition spaces.?
One of the exhibitors, who sells jewelries, noted bluntly that sales had been very bad.
?I have hired three girls and I transport them everyday to the fair site, feed and pay after working from 7 am to 8 pm. I also pay for the lightening system, among other commitments. I am disappointed.?
She said a lot of customers have complained about the way officials treated them at the entrance of the site.
CITY BUSINESS, during the tour of the Nigerian stands, witnessed some empty stands bearing the inscription ?Dangote? while there was no sign of foreign exhibitors.
It was only a few ?husband and wife? foreign businesses that were seen selling soft drinks, shampoo and other detergents.