The 4th edition of the Tropicana Trade Fair has been declared open, bringing together an impressive lineup of over 100 exhibitors for the five-day event that will run until November 30, 2025.
This year’s edition has recorded an exceptional turnout of exhibitors, with more vendors than the space could accommodate.
Participants are showcasing a wide range of products and services, including educational services, food items, adult and children’s clothing, electronics, home décor, and an array of indigenous items such as soaps, beauty products, and accessories.
According to the organisers, through the fair consultants, A&NE Consults, Public Relations Manager, Magdalene Mendie, the Tropicana Trade Fair was conceived to provide a valuable platform for small and medium-sized businesses to reach a large, diverse consumer base in one central location.
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The fair also offers shoppers a one-stop destination to meet their holiday shopping needs and is widely considered the biggest shopping event in the state.
The long-term vision of the fair is to expose young, enterprising vendors to larger markets by connecting them to regional and national trade opportunities, it was gathered.
Beyond shopping, the fair provides a relaxed environment featuring food courts, snacks, music, and performances, creating a festive atmosphere for families and visitors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Uyo, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Iniobong Ekong, described it as a strategic platform for attracting fresh investments, stimulating commerce, and accelerating economic expansion across the state.
Ekong expressed the hope that the fair would showcase the vibrant culture, rich resources, and boundless opportunities that define Akwa Ibom’s economic landscape.
According to him, the gathering of local and international exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors underscores the rising confidence of investors in the state government’s policy drive in making a favourable business climate.
“Over the next five days, we will be showcasing the best of Akwa Ibom, from agriculture to industry, tourism to innovation. We will be building connections and forging new paths to economic growth and development,” he said.
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He urged participants to maximise the fair’s opportunities by networking, collaborating, and exploring new markets, noting that such engagements are essential to strengthening the state’s investment opportunities and expanding its economic frontiers.
He emphasised that commerce is a vital driver of economic growth and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through grants, loans, and improved market access.
Also, in attendance were the Commissioner for Lands, Ubong Inyang; Commissioner for Internal Security, Koko Essien and the Chairman of the State Hotel and Tourism Board, Ime Udo; Andy Eyo, of ECEWS and the Manager of Tropicana Mall, Akan Udonkwo, representative of Sundry Markets, operators of Market Square, amongst others.
Held annually in November, the Tropicana Trade Fair continues to grow, and its 5th anniversary next year promises expanded partnerships and more exciting opportunities for participants and sponsors.
