Japan targets increased participation at 2023 LITF

THE Japanese government has stated that plans are ongoing to increase the participation of more Japanese companies in next year’s Lagos International Trade Fair.

Besides, the Japanese government stated that there are lots of investment opportunities for both countries to explore in their bid to forge strong bilateral trade.

The Trade Commissioner and Managing Director, JETRO Lagos, Taninami Takuma, stated this on the sidelines of the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( LCCI).

The Trade Commissioner however stated that the Japan pavilion attracted an increase in businesses by the exhibitors as the number of visitors it received during the fair was over 20,000 people.

He added that within the duration of the event, the pavilion attracted over 23,000 visitors from various products, services, and technologies exhibited by the exhibitors, whilst over 1,000 Business 2 Business ( B2B) discussions were recorded with the 10 days event.

He pointed out that JETRO held stage events where six companies promoted their products in front of the audience.

"For instance, Choya Umecshu Co Limited, the biggest producer of plum wine in Japan held a presentation and tasting event jointly with Mrs. Hidemi Obiorah, CEO of Hidemi Consulting. The sweet and sour taste of their plum wine attracted numerous Nigerians. Also, Mrs. Hidemi demonstrated one

Japanese cultural dance, Tanko- bushi and at last visitors and staff altogether danced in a round circle," he added.

According to JETRO'S survey, during the trade fair, there were over 1,000 B2B discussions recorded, noting that over 100 business contracts were concluded, while over 300 prospective contracts were recorded at B2B matchings during the period.

"In the pavilion, Alteco Inc, Japanese super glue manufacturer distributed their products to the visitors “Cooling Patch” as a testing sample. Cooling Patch works for people who have fever when they place it on their foreheads. Visitors were enjoying themselves, feeling cool and looking around inside the pavilion," he said.

Taninami describes this year’s exhibition as successful and enough to attract visitors and expressed his optimism to bring more Japanese brands for the upcoming trade show in 2023.

He also noted that JETRO will keep promoting and introducing Africa's greatest market to Japanese companies and expressed his appreciation to the LCCI, all the visitors to the Japan pavilion, exhibitors, and to all other related stakeholders as Japan pavilion closed successfully and safely after the event.

' I am so grateful to return to this year's Lagos International Trade Fair and next year, we are expecting more than 35,000. This year we had about 19 exhibitors and we are targeting 30 exhibitors in 2023," he averred.

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