Opening of the 31st Malawi International Trade Fair at Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre yesterday, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) chief executive officer Chancellor Kaferapanjira advised local firms to look beyond the local market and take advantage of new opportunities.

He observed that from their previous experience and knowledge, there will be representatives from other countries within the region that will be scouting for new sources of raw materials and markets.

Kaferapanjira pointed out opportunities, especially in Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Southern Africa Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On the other hand, despite an international market identified by the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) Malawi falls short of supply, making it lose out on a market worth K885 billion. MITC director of investment, promotion and facilitation Joshua Nthakomwa said in Mzuzu on Friday that producers are failing to meet the demand despite the one-stop trade and investment centre’s initiative to secure markets through various forums. Nthakomwa bemoaned inconsistent supply by farmers, who only give a once-off supply, which is contrary to the market’s constant demand.