The upcoming edition of the Luanda International Fair (Filda) has achieved a significant milestone by selling out its exhibition area for the first time.
The event organizer has announced that more than 40 companies are now on the waiting list for the fair, which is scheduled to take place next week.
Bruno Albernaz, the chairman of the board of directors of the Arena group, has acknowledged that due to this constraint, the next edition of Filda may be held in a new venue.
This year’s Filda, the 38th edition, will feature a remarkable increase in participation, with 1,202 exhibitors, nearly double the number from the previous year. Among the participants, 128 companies are international.
Albernaz emphasized the doubling of direct and indirect participation in the fair, attributing the limited growth to the lack of available space for additional companies.
This marks the first time that the maximum capacity of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where Filda has been held since 2018, has been reached.
Currently, 43 companies are on the waiting list.
The official highlighted the overall growth of the industry sector and expressed hopes that the increased participation in Filda would translate into higher turnover.
Efforts have been made to create more stand areas for this year’s event.
However, Albernaz emphasized the need for a dedicated pavilion for events and international initiatives.
The plan is to build new facilities capable of accommodating future editions of Filda, preferably by 2024.
This year, Filda will welcome official missions from various countries, including the United States of America, Indonesia, and the Czech Republic.
Additionally, Brazil will participate collectively through its business association. Italy will have the highest international representation, followed by Portugal.
By achieving a sold-out exhibition area and generating significant interest from companies, Filda demonstrates its growing importance in the international business landscape.
The event’s success has spurred discussions about expanding the venue or constructing a purpose-built pavilion to accommodate future editions.