Slow start to ‘Season Wonders’ International Xmas Expo |26 November 2016

The widely advertised ‘Season’s Wonders 2016’ shopping Expo got off to a slow start at the NSC Hall yesterday morning.

This is the second such expo to be organised here by Rajasthan Works Ltd, an international events management body.

Members of the public have the whole weekend up to Tuesday next week to come and view, appreciate and buy from a wide range and variety of goods – from clothing, jewelry, household appliances, home accessories, furniture and much more. These are from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore, Egypt and Seychelles of course.

Cultural entertainment as well as food will be available for the duration of the expo which opens from 10.30am to 10pm on all days.

The official opening of the November 25-29 event was held just before noon yesterday with an Indian cultural performance to entertain guests and visitors who were already going round the different stalls.

Over 50 businesses, including a few from Seychelles, are taking part in the expo showcasing their products and seeking to establish local business contacts.

The event has been organised with the support of the Indo-Seychelles Business Association.

Melanie Stravens, speaking on behalf of the association’s chairperson who was not in the country, said such an event aims to bring traders of different countries together, giving them the opportunity to showcase what they produce and each bringing with them an array of goods, business experience and knowledge which can be shared with one another for mutual benefit.

“We hope that this Expo allows for the exchange of ideas whereby new markets, new suppliers and new networks can be explored,” she said.

“Events such as these provide numerous benefits to the Seychelles economy… bringing increased air travel, increased use of local services in the form of accommodation, restaurants, transportation, not to mention increased tax revenue. They bring the opportunity for Seychellois to participate, to explore new import as well as export potential,” Ms Stravens said.

She added that such an opportunity gives our local merchants the opportunity and ability to take part in similar activities in other markets where Rajasthan Works organises events.

“With trade comes the exchange of ideas and with competition comes the opportunity for efficiency and innovation which can only serve to benefit us all through better products, better pricing and better business models,” Ms Stravens noted.

Narendra Kumar Jain, the managing director of Rajasthan Works Ltd, said it is a great opportunity for local businesses to source out new products, establish contacts and share ideas and for the international businesses to explore possibilities to set up business here.

Among the stalls that were attracting more visitors were the Happy Wood furniture from Mauritius which is showcasing a wide range of mostly rattan furniture already popular here.

Jagdish Leather Craft from India who was there last year with a wide range of leather items namely handbags and wallets, is back again.

“Last year we sold all we brought so we are back again,” a sales person from the stall said.

The accompanying photos show some of the stalls in the expo.