Second ECOWAS Fair Kicks off today

Accra, (Greater Accra) 26 Feb. '99,

The biggest sub-regional trade exposition organised by the ECOWAS Secretariat showcasing products from the 16-member states and the international business community, dubbed "Second ECOWAS Trade Fair", opens in Accra today, February 26. It will be opened jointly by Vice-President Professor Evans John Atta Mills and President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo, current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States. The fair, which is under the theme "Integration Through Trade", is also expected to be attended by other heads of states of the sub-region or their representatives. It has attracted about 600 exhibitors from the 16 member-states of ECOWAS, Europe, America and the Far East. The highlights of the fair include a regional conference on economic co-operation through trade, workshops on ECOWAS industrialisation strategy, co-operation in the field of transport, and inter-regional trade. There will also be a fashion show by the West African Women's Association. A statement from the Secretariat said countries will celebrate their national days during which their exhibits and information on them will be highlighted. Ghana's day falls on March seven. Colonel Seth Kwawu (Rtd), Chief Executive of the Ghana Trade Fair Authority, told a press briefing on Thursday that the International Trade Fair Centre is ready for the 10-day fair. He said even though some finishing touches have to be done, the facilities needed for the fair activities itself are in place, adding that every exhibitor and country will have an enjoyable fair. The first five days of the fair are purely meant for business activities during which exhibitors will be meeting their partners for business transactions and export links. The fair grounds will be opened for such activity daily from 8.00 a.m. to 14.000 hours and thereafter for other category of visitors till 10 p.m. GRi