Enugu — The 22nd Enugu International Trade Fair would hold from Friday, March 11 to Monday March 21, 2011.

President Enugu Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) Sir Okechukwu Nwadinobi announced this at a press briefing in Enugu.

Nwadinobi said the fair which has the theme "Diversification of our Nation's Economy for Sustainable development" would be declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan at the permanent trade fair complex, off Enugu-Onitsha, Expressway, Enugu State.

The president also announced that ECCIMA was introducing new services at this fair as a result of various research exercises carried out over the years by the chambers's Customer relations Committee.

He continued that for the first time there will be a specially designated area for the exhibition of new products, innovations and research findings for commercialisation as a way of bringing researchers and business people together for commercialisation of their breakthroughs.

In addition to the new products arena, Nwadinobi continued that the chamber is introducing fro the first time a Business centre for communication, word and data processing as well as business meetings.

The third package to be introduce will be a Special products Promotion Scheme where arrangement would be made to encourage senior officials of big exhibiting companies to promote their products and services through presentations to specific target audiences in conducive environments.

Nwadinobi pointed out that this year's fair would be the second at the permanent trade fair site and arising from the huge exhibition grounds available, ECCIMA is offering discounts to exhibitors willing to take up large spaces and in addition grant Special Day opportunities to promote their products.

The president also announced the introduction of prizes for media houses and journalists who would be the most outstanding promoters of the fair, adding that N100, 000 prize money have been set aside for the three categories.

The chambers praised the media for supporting the crusade to convince the federal government to complete the Enugu permanent trade complex and for contributing to the success of the 2010 edition of the fair.

He also disclosed that the fair would also feature the first quarterly meeting of all City Chambers of Commerce, Industry, mines and agriculture, NACCIMA, a day before the fair is declared open.

Nwadinobi declared that the fair would really be international as the chamber has received enquiries with commitment from Germany, USA, China among others.