Trade Fair to open on Thursday

Just over 200 exhibitors will be taking part in this year's Trade Fair of Malta, which opens on Thursday at the Ta' Qali Fairs and Conventions Centre.

As usual the exhibits will be varied, ranging from cars to food, white goods to carpets and boats to home furnishings.

Reuben Caruana, managing director of MFCC, said this year's fair would be bigger than last year's, when it was held for the first time at Ta' Qali after having moved from Naxxar. Stands will be erected in and around the large tent and there will be entertainment every day because this was both a shopping experience as well as an outing, Mr Caruana said.

He said that this year will see an increase in participation by foreign companies.

Among the national pavilions, India is expected to be a particular attraction, mounting a large stand and bringing over a delegation of 122 promoting ethnic furniture, food, manufacturing, textiles and jewellery. Other national stands will be hosted by Egypt, Germany and Italy.

There will be an improvement in public transport services to Ta' Qali, including direct routes from Cospicua, St Andrews,Paola, Cirkewwa and Mqabba.

The fair remains open up to July 5.