The 45th Cairo International Fair attracted participants from 16 countries to the Nasr City fairgrounds, reports Eman Youssef Despite Egypt's unstable political and economic climate, participants from some 16 countries joined 110 Egyptian companies in the exhibition. The event was organised by the Egypt Expo and Convention Authority (EECA), formerly known as the General Organisation for International Exhibitions and Fairs (GOIEF). The Cairo fair, which was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry, usually attracts a sizeable number of visitors every year, but the number this year was much lower than usual. One exhibitor, who was worried about the dwindling number of visitors, assumed that the fuel shortage and economic crises, along with continuing protests, were the main reasons behind the drop. Others had a more positive take on the event. Aida Suleiman, a nurse who was visiting the fair, said that this was a golden opportunity for local citizens looking for bargains on local products such as textiles and furniture. The 13-day exhibition featured pavilions displaying a big array of products, ranging from heavy industrial machinery, building materials, furniture, garments, electronic goods and computers, agricultural products and food processing goods, small household appliances, leather goods and garments. "The fair focussed on strengthening Egyptian economic growth and development, as well as increasing investment and export opportunities across the region," said EECA Chairman Ahmed El-Deeb. He added that the fair's main objective was to put Egyptian products on display. It was also an opportunity to see what exhibitors from other countries have to offer, and conclude business deals. The first three days of the fair were reserved for professional trade visitors, in order for them to get the most benefit from foreign and local exhibits. "Participating in the fair was a great opportunity to showcase our products to the Egyptian market," said Caroline Ngige, commercial attaché at the Kenyan embassy in Egypt.
