[Interview] Bako Ambianda, Chairman, GAA Exhibitions & Conferences
Bako Ambianda is the Founder, Chairman, & CEO of Labacorp Group, a diversified portfolio of businesses and strategic investments in key economic sectors spanning manufacturing, construction, power, agribusiness, real estate, and exhibition - amongst which is the GAA Exhibitions & Conferences.
Could you introduce your company to us?
GAA Exhibitions & Conferences is an events, publishing, and trade missions company that formulate a portfolio of high-level summits, forums, meetings, exhibitions and exploratory trade missions across different sectors, particularly manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, construction, and technology industries.
GAA develops and own trade programs, capacity building workshops, high-quality events and exhibitions specifically to help companies develop new business, source investment, meet customers, launch new products, promote brands, and expand markets. GAA has five flagship brands.
You are involed in the Africa Trade and Investment Global Summit coming up in June year. What is the objective of this event?
The Africa Trade & Investment Global Summit (ATIGS) is a unique high-level conference and exhibition, prestigious, biennial business platform designed specifically to promote and facilitate international trade between Americas, Asia, Caribbean, EU, UAE, with Africa; to facilitate foreign direct investment in Africa; and to provide a platform for businesses to expand into new markets. ATIGS is where companies around the world looking to expand or establish their business operations in Africa come to gain strategic knowledge about local investment opportunities, and connect with competent authorities, and businesses from Africa.
Who will be participating in this event?
The ATIGS 2018 edition scheduled on June 24 to 26, 2018 will gather key economic players from more than 70 countries, including government delegations, African buyers, high-profile African leaders, project developers, and international investors. The event has a well-structured format for facilitating direct peer engagement, for more advanced deal-making, co-investments, strategic partnerships, and business networking
What are the sectors of focus for ATIGS 2018?
ATIGS program will cover 16 economic sectors particularly manufacturing, agribusiness, power, construction, infrastructure, transportation, IT, tourism, telecoms, healthcare, fintech, textile, and natural resources sectors.
ATIGS 2018's theme is “Driving Trade, Unleashing Investment and Enhancing Economic Development: the Gateway to African Markets”. ATIGS 2018 will provide access to African markets as a one-stop shop and connect global Investors to Africa market.
Who can be a part of this event, and how?
There is a comprehensive website which contains everything to know about ATIGS 2018 and registration can be done directly there.
ATIGS 2018 is shaping up to be an exceptional show with unique activities, multitude of strategic business opportunities, top rated speakers, and high-level participation. I urge you to visit ATIGS 2018 official website - www.atigs2018.com, for all latest developments.
Is this an isolated event or will there be another of this kind in the near future?
The vision of ATIGS is built on the model of rotating the location of the summit every two years through a bidding process and organizing country specific ATIGS in between. So the upcoming ATIGS events include: ATIGS 2018 - Washington D.C, ATIGS 2020 - Dubai; ATIGS 2022 - Beijing; ATIGS 2024 - Brussels, ATIGS 2026 - Addis Ababa; and, ATIGS 2028 - South America.
Is there a strategic advantage to holding this event in Washington DC, as opposed to in an African city?
As the host country for Africa Trade and Investment Global Summit 2018, The United States of America serves as a model for ATIGS 2018 for several reasons including its high number of embassies in Washington, D.C and the high Access to capital, as the United States hosts the most developed, liquid, flexible, and efficient financial markets in the world. Washington D.C also host over 40 African embassies making it easy for companies all round the world to engage with Africa during ATIGS 2018.
What can attendees and participants expect to take away from ATIGS 2018?
Participants wil gain insight into the investment or trade potentials of many African countries, plug into its vast business opportunities. The event is shaping up to be an exceptional show with unique activities, multitude of strategic business opportunities, top rated speakers, and high-level participation.
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