President Muhammadu Buhari has canvassed support for African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), saying the agreement would boost intra-African trade.
Unveiling the 36th edition of Lagos International Trade Fair: ” Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”, he said the agreement would deliver integrated continental market, comprising 1.3 billion consumers.
Buhari noted it was a great opportunity as the nation’s trade was doing well, with surplus between January and June in excess of N3.2 trillion.
Represented by Minister of Industry, Trade & investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the president underscored the need for the public and private sectors to work together.
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He said his administration had taken steps to improve the trading environment, some of which include; creation of Special Economic Zones, 17 operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs), to support export processing.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry for helping businesses develop.
Sanwo- Olu said most businesses participating in this fair are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
LCCI President, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole said the chamber delivered the fair for 36 years, noting this year’s fair is organised on the premise of ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’.