Bazaar Berlin, an international trade exhibition of unique and exotic products from around the globe kicks off at the Berlin Exhibition grounds with the traditional opening press conference on Tuesday, November 11th.
The Bazaar, which this year attracts hundreds of producers of goods and traders from 62 countries has emerged as an important venue where high-quality handicrafts, carpets, basketware, musical instruments, ethnic and designer jewellery as well as natural cosmetics, and exceptional fashion creations are on display.
The Fair Trade Market, which makes its debut at this year’s fair, is exhibiting a wide range of goods from Egypt, Ghana, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany. The Fair Trade sector is also a dominant theme at this year’s extravaganza.
Addressing members of the media assembled at this year’s press conference, Barbara Mabrook, Barzaar Berlin’s the Project Manager said: “We are delighted that we have been able to create this new section, which though small in size is of excellent Quality, with the outstanding Support of external fair trade experts. With it, we can look ahead to the future in the best tradition of the event.”
And, the Bazaar has indeed a tradition. Even though, the Name of Bazaar is new, the format of this excellent exposition has a Long story. It all began under the Name Partners for Progress way back in 1962. It evolved as the Import Shop in the last decades attracting tens of thousands of visitors in November of every year. As the Opening Report indicated, “the much-loved atmosphere of the event, similar to a bazaar, is now reflected in its Name.
“Not only has the event gained a new name but its concept has also evolved. The most important change is the new special section devoted to fair trade. With the introduction of the Fair Trade Market the show has effectively returned to ist roots. 52 years ago at the first event the idea of assisting development abroad, namely helping to strengthen exhibitors’ home markets, played a major role. Since then Messe Berlin has constantly supported and promoted programmes backing the fair production of good,” says the Report.
Among one of the most attractive features at Bazaar Berlin is the concept of trading and bargaining, in some cases, in traditional African style. These feature prominently at the show.
Items on the Business Agenda at this year’s Bazaar Berlin include an educational programme where school children would be taking through the rudiments of social responsibility, sustainable production methods, fair trade partnerships as well as cooperating with one another.
Bazaar Berlin is the ideal venue for families to go hunting for their Christmas presents year after year.
Africa is well represented at the Bazaar. Countries from Africa at this year’s Event are Ghana, Madagascar, Togo, Tunesia, Senegal Kenya, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauretania, Zimbabwe and Morocco.
Other African countries at the fair include Egypt, Niger, Swaziland, Ruanda and Republic of Congo.
Bazaar Berlin offers an excellent opportunity for countries from Africa as well as other developing countries to showcase their potentials in the handicrafts industry.
According to the organizers, over 40,000 visitors are expected at this year’s fair
AM