37th Tripoli International Fair Kicks off
The East African Tribune
Thursday, 03 April, 2008
Yesterday, both local and foreign investors have been urged to make proper use of the open business opportunities found in the Great Jamahiriya. Thee call was made by the Secretary of Economy, Trade and Investment Dr. Ali Abdulaziz Isawi in the inauguration of the 37th Tripoli International fair. The two weeks long international event kicked off on the 2nd of April at its traditional grounds located along Omar Mukhtar streets in Tripoli city. Present were also other government officials, diplomatic missions, local and foreign businessmen and women.
“Tripoli International Fair has increased the relations of countries by increasing the level of trade”, remarked Dr. Isawi while addressing various guests at Omar Mukhtar Conference hall. Apart from speeches made, guests too were entertained with an eight minute long documentary film which highlighted the social, cultural, historical and economic aspects of Libyans in particular.
Dr. Ali Isawi, encouraged participants of the fair to utilize the benefits of the event by forging mutual business relations with their Libyan counterparts.
“Libya is a land of open business opportunities, so we welcome potential investors to make us of this unique opportunity for the development of the future,” added Dr. Isawi.
One of the speakers of the 37th Tripoli International fair revealed that, this year’s event has registered a total of 2000 companies both local and international with the participation of almost 38 counties.
Also part of the revelations made during the speeches was the future plans of relocating the fair’s area to Swani road, behind Islamic Call Society. The new location will comprise of approximately area of 47 hectares.
Since its inception until now, the Tripoli International Fair is reported to have made significant progress in terms of companies’ participation and visitors as a whole. For example, in this year’s fair, there is an increase of 130 companies compared to last year. It is also anticipated that, this year, visitors figures would surpass last year’s figures which were 15, 000 visitors. The increase in figures is a clear testimony that, the trade fair is a significant event to the business community.
The fair is also one of the ways in which different nationals interact and exchange their business ideas and contacts.
On the other hand, the French Minister of Foreign Trade, Anne Marie Idric appreciated the ever existing mutual relation between France and Libya. “France is getting into a new era, since the exchange visits of the two leaders of the two respective countries have increased a lot of mutual benefits, in terms of research, agriculture, economy, energy. It is a good way of cooperation in the Mediterranean area. We know the role of Libya in this area”, concluded Idric.
Business is also expected to spread out evenly among Tripoli businessmen. Businessmen and women are expected to make brisk businesses especially those in the sectors of transportation, hospitality and hotels. It is reported that all major hotels in Tripoli are fully-booked by now.
Tripoli International Fair is considered to be one of the oldest events in both Arab and African countries, started as way back as 1927. Tripoli International Fair also has the membership of the organization of international fairs headquartered in Paris- France.
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