Africa-Press – Mozambique. The 56th edition of the Mozambique Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Fair (FACIM) opened this Monday in Ricatla, Marracuene district, Maputo province. The fair is the largest showcase of the country’s products and economic potential, and is taking place in a hybrid manner this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Contrary to what is usual, FACIM – taking place this year under the motto “Industrialisation: Innovation and Diversification of the National Economy – will not bring together in the same space all economic sectors on a national scale, as some exhibitors will participate in the event virtually.
Also, Maputo province will be the only one physically represented in Ricatla, with the other provinces taking part virtually.
Figures from the organisers indicate that the Ricatla venue is expected to receive only 750 visitors per day, so that by the end of the event, on September 5th, 5,250 people will have visited the physical exhibition.
Before Covid-19, FACIM attracted 70,000 people in one week, including national and international visitors and exhibitors.
Tickets for visitors can be purchased only electronically, with no option for their physical sale at the venue.
The holding of FACIM on hybrid lines was determined by the Council of Ministers.
Among other objectives, FACIM aims to internationalise the national economy, exposing its potential of production and export, establishing partnerships between national companies and with foreign entities, and promoting business opportunities in the various segments of the national and the foreign business fabric.
By Friday, only 122 (physical) exhibitors had booked a presence, while the virtual component expect to see 24 countries and 3,000 exhibitors participating, with 10,000 virtual visits per day.
Cármen Ezequiel, director of the 56th edition of FACIM, said that the physical space would see representation from the state business sector, mineral resources and energy, and agriculture and fishing, as well as small and medium-sized business companies, and of the province of Maputo, the only province to participate in person.
FACIM’s face-to-face format lasts for one week, but the virtual platform will remain online for nine months, the organisation says.
Fantastic to attend the opening of #FACIM today at the 🇬🇧 stall, sharing information about @CheveningFCDO and how 🇬🇧 is working with @FSDmoc_ to promote financial inclusion for women and youth @UKinMozambique @NneNneUK pic.twitter.com/X0F7ph4974
— Alex Sheppard (@ASheppard_UK) August 30, 2021
