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African Fair hosted by JETRO

24
Apr '08

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are jointly organizing several activities in conjunction with the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), which is being held in Yokohama this May 28th- 30th.

The largest event is "African Fair 2008" (May 28th-June 1st), in which 41 African nations will exhibit a range of unique and attractive products under the theme, "Vibrant Africa—a Continent of Business Opportunities," which was proposed by the African Diplomatic Corps in Japan.

This will be the third African Fair hosted by JETRO, following events held in 1999 and 2006; it will also be the largest in exhibition scale, as well as number of participating countries/exhibitors.

African economies have been averaging growth of more than 5% in recent years, driven by soaring natural resource prices and increased foreign investment on the continent.

Organizers hope this latest event will help further this robust growth, by giving African exhibitors a chance to meet face to face with prospective buyers, importers, wholesalers and retailers in Japan.

The idea is not only to boost African exports to Japan, but also to increase understanding about Africa in Japan. The fair's JETRO Zone will introduce several African products (shea butter, cut flowers, etc.) that are making inroads into the Japan market and have been supported by JETRO programs.

Other special areas/features of the fair include: 1) "Japanese Company Zone," introducing the activities of several Japanese firms in Africa; 2) "style AFRICA," displaying African products in a model room setting, showing how they can match Japanese lifestyles; and 3) Organization Booths, introducing efforts by various international and Japanese organizations aimed at supporting African development, including "One Village One Product" campaigns focused on Africa, under the Japanese government's "New Development Initiative for Trade."

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