Briefing journalists in Blantyre, MCCCI Chief Operations Officer Chimwemwe Luhanga said over 165 companies both local and international have confirmed to participate at this year’s fair.

“So far 165 companies have confirmed to exhibit occupying 210 stands. Out of these 15 are foreign companies from 6 countries,” he said adding that international exhibitors that have confirmed are from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

“The main objective of the Trade Fair is to provide a platform for local and international participants to showcase their exhibitors and network with patrons and other participants. This year's international trade fair avails exhibitors several benefits,” said Luhanga.

Luhanga, during the Press briefing, also disclosed that the theme for this year is- Productivity: A Source of Export Competitiveness. He said the theme is meant to highlight the role that productivity at both the firm and sector level play in promoting competitiveness of Malawi’s exports.

He added that capacity of firms in Malawi to export is affected by a number of factors such as low utilization of technology, lack of improvement in the business environment and associated with high import costs.

“The Theme therefore raises the need to enhance productivity of firms and bring about action for Malawi to become a competitive exporter. Competition favors firms that are more productive, more productive firms’ market shares expand, while that of less productive firms contract. This is fundamental to attain countries export competitiveness in Malawi,” explained Luhanga.

The Malawi International Trade Fair – MITF starts from Wednesday, 24th May to Saturday, 3rd June at Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre.