Preparations for the upcoming trade expo in Honiara which is set to begin on the 6th of July 2014 is progressing well.
The chairman of the trade expo Redley Raramo confirmed this on Sunday.
“I’m pleased to confirm that work has progressed well over the past weeks and I must commend my committee members and staff of the trade division of the ministry of commerce for the efforts rendered so far.
“Site constructions, water and electrical work on the site is progressing well and I expect work to be completed by Sunday 29th July,” Mr Raramo said.
A visit to the site last Sunday confirmed that work on the show grounds has progressed.
Over the past 36 years of Solomon Islands Political Independence, the ministry of commerce, has organized annual trade shows which enabled all aspects of the selling process attention, persuasion, desiring and purchasing to be compressed in a single activity, the chairman said.
“Business were able to create awareness of their products or services and thereby broadening their consumer bases.”
He added: “Although other activities may happen, one thing is certain, each visitor is a qualified prospect.
“This year, the show will be referred to as the trade expo Solomon Islands 2014 and the theme is: “Innovation and Partnership to create a vibrant Solomon Islands Economy.
“The trade expo Solomon Islands 2014 is scheduled to coincide with the Solomon Islands 36th Independence anniversary celebrations and the Solomon Islands hosting the pacific economic ministers meeting from the 8th – 9th July 2014.”
Meanwhile Raramo called on all corporate bodies, SMEs, other service providers (including NGOs) to register their participation with the trade expo office at the ministry of commerce and trade.
All stalls for exhibitions and food stall being charged as follows: Corporate stall is $4,000.00 (10×5 metres), general stalls is $1,500.00 (3×3 metres) and food stalls is $2,000.00 (3×3) as well.
“Vacant stalls are limited so please call in to secure a space at the trade expo office to avoid any inconvenience,” Mr Raramo said.
Raramo said the trade expo is significant because this is the opportunity for the business sector to promote their products to the international visitors, other businesses and to the local people who will flock into Honiara.
He outlined the objectives of the trade expo Solomon Islands 2014;
a) To promote innovation and development of locally produced products of Solomon Islands
b) To enable firms to create and raised interests of awareness of their products
c) To promote enterprises and entrepreneur who provides such goods and services
d) To create awareness of the important role the private sector play in nation building
e) To enhance commercial contacts between businesses and consumers
f) To promote commercial contacts between business and consumers
g) To promote partnership between stakeholders by establishing commercial contacts between the private and the general public.
Raramo also pointed out that his committee is committed to carry potential innovative products beyond the trade expo.
“A technical taskforce will be established after the trade expo to work on product development, marketing strategies, get needed budget support, promote and market these products” adding their vision is beyond the trade expo 2014 exhibitions.
The trade expo runs from the 6th of July to the 11th of July at the Bodo Detke show grounds situated between the two Mataniko river bridges.
