By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, being organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), has kicked-off on low tone with most exhibitors still setting up their stands.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who covers the fair at the International Trade Fair Complex, Enugu on Saturday, observed that no exhibiting stand had been erected at the newly-inaugurated 3,000 square metre tent.

Most of the regular exhibitors at the fair were still building up their special stands or tents at the fair ground notwithstanding the newly-inaugurated 3,000 square metre tent.

The fair is also kicking off at a time of about 20 per cent increment in local commuting transport fare; thus, working against shoppers attending the fair.

This is due to the surge in petroleum pump price occasioned by the current global energy crisis caused by the US/Israel and Iran war.

Reacting, the Director General of ECCIMA, Mr Uche Mba, noted that most of the exhibitors are still setting up for full business.

“Over the years, the first day might look dull but the tempo start picking up in subsequent days.

“So, there is nothing really unusual today like what happens every other first day of the fair over the years,” he said.

The 37th Enugu International Trade Fair is scheduled for between March 21 and March 30. (NAN)