By Moutaz Ali.
Tripoli, 9 April 2017:
Despite its name, the past weeks Tripoli International Fair has mainly seen local exhibitors though residents are still interested.
Wandering its streets and stands at noon today, it was obvious that only Libyan governmental boards and private companies were present showing off their services. There was a clear absence of foreign displays.
Despite this, the fair is still able to attract visitors and especially families.
”It is a good occasion to take the wife and kids for a nice walk, see some Libyan products and have a meal away from home,” the Libya Herald was told by one visitor who identified himself simply as Abdussalam.
In any event, the lack of an international presence appears to have led to a greater interest in local produce.
“It is sad to miss the opportunity of viewing international products, but at the same time, I have really enjoyed seeing our own services through which they displayed in creative ways,” another visitor, Qais, said.
The telecommunication sector is the most active and prominent national one in the fair. Many companies are competing to attract new customers by presenting different types of new services.
Also, Libyan natural resources like palm, olive oil and honey, were on display.
All these exhibited producers, are supported and approved by the Libyan Export Promotion Centre (LEPC).
The governmental centre has taken a large hall in the fair, giving a chance to local producers as they try find international buyers.
“We are doing our best to encourage local producers to export their products worldwide,” Najwa from LEPC added.
The Tripoli International Fair, which opened last Sunday, runs until this Wednesday. It is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily.
