They also provide a much-needed opportunity to gauge the opinions of potential clients, to evaluate competition and to conduct research.

For this reason, the GE Mozambique team recently participated in the 52Maputo  International Trade Fair, also known as FACIM.

FACIM is a multi-sectoral annual  trade fair, which promotes the industrial, commercial and agricultural  sectors by showcasing the products and services of national, and international companies.

The fair, which took place from 29 August to 4 September, included 2,350 exhibitors from 33 countries with the theme “Promoting economic connections with the potential for export”.

GE participated in the fair with a stand in the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy’s pavilion which promoted oil and gas, transportation, power, energy and healthcare. GE’s  exhibit was alongside those of the national utilities company, the National Petroleum Institute as well as various energy and mineral companies.

FACIM is organised by Mozambique’s Institute for Support to Export (IPEX), which seeks to stimulate economic growth in the country. IPEX understands that liberalisation of the economy will create an open market for foreign companies looking to invest in the country and this will foster financial inclusion.

The development of Africa’s financial markets is critical for the growth of the region and FACIM ultimately hopes to encourage this growth by creating an investment-friendly environment.