The 34th Malawi International Trade Fair concluded on Wednesday, drawing participants from various regions who showcased their products and forged business deals.
This multi-sectoral event is a cornerstone of Malawi’s trade landscape, offering a vital platform for domestic and international exhibitors to connect with potential clients, policymakers, and trade and investment partners.
President Lazarus Chakwera inaugurated the trade fair, emphasizing the relevance of this year’s theme, “Boosting Malawi Export Capacity Through Enhanced Production.”
He highlighted the importance of addressing Malawi’s trade imbalance, which is largely due to the country’s dependency on imports.
The President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity through mega-farm initiatives and irrigation projects to mitigate the effects of climate change-induced disasters.
President Chakwera encouraged the private sector to leverage government initiatives and policies, such as the Special Economic Zones Act and the One-Stop Border Post initiative, to tap into the myriad of trade opportunities available.
Wisely Phiri, President of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, supported the government’s long-term strategies aimed at increasing the country’s foreign exchange earnings. He emphasized that boosting exports is crucial for achieving the Malawi 2063 vision.
The seven-day event was lauded by exhibitors as a significant platform for business growth and brand visibility.
Joseph Chidwala, Business and Communications Officer for Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union, praised the fair for facilitating productive interactions in an engaging environment.
“This year, we attracted potential customers and partners who were impressed by the superior quality of our products. We have created a database of prospects and expect to see improvements in our business segment soon,” Chidwala remarked.
Palisha Ghambi from Synthesis Agriculture noted that the trade fair has been beneficial for their agri-based company.
“Participating in the trade fair has helped us introduce various farming innovations to the market,” Ghambi said, reflecting on the positive impact of the event on their business.
For over three decades, Malawi has hosted international trade fairs to bring together exhibitors from within and outside the country, facilitating experience sharing and market expansion.
This year’s event, themed “Boosting Malawi’s Export Capacity through Enhanced Production,” attracted over 170 exhibitors.
