Preparations for the 22nd edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair are in full swing.

So far, 408 exhibitors, both local and international, are expected to participate in this year's fair.

Some exhibitors were busy setting up their stalls.

The Business Today team caught up with the company entrusted with the installation of the stalls.

Ongwediva Town Council Corporate Communication Officer Jackson Muma says their preparatory committee is ready to host this year's exhibition, adding that on the 16th of this month, they started with the onboarding of exhibitors with biometric access.

Some exhibitors have already made their way to the trade fair centre to make the final touches to their stands ahead of selling and showcasing their products and services.

"Doors are opening as usual; we are opening at 09h00 for exhibitors and 10h00 for the public, and we close at 21h00 with the ground at 22h00. We make sure that in terms of safety, we have already had discussions with our safety stakeholders to make sure that everybody who visits our exhibitors and everybody else who will be on the ground is safer, so all the systems are working, tested, and we are ready."

Safety is one of the vital components of the Ongwediva Trade Fair, and this year there are 160 security guards deployed at the fair who will work hand in hand with NamPol to maintain law and order during the duration of the trade fair.

This year's trade fair will be hosted under the theme Embracing a Sustainable Economy: Linking Smart Markets.

The fair starts on August 25 and ends on September 2.

Last year, 368 exhibitors and 90,000 visitors participated in the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.