The 19th Grand Trade Fair was inaugurated at the Addis Abeba Exhibition Centre yesterday. The exhibition, dubbed as 'New Trade for Development & Christmas Festival', will be open from December 22, 2012 to January 6, 2013.

The annual grand trade fair is organised by Century Promotion. The promotion agent has yearly organised trade fairs in connection with the biggest Ethiopian festivals.

The 19th Fair which will be conducted in relation to the Ethiopian Christmas is expected to be one of the most visited trade fairs.

Around 300 cooperatives, micro and small enterprises (MSE), governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and industrial trade organisations are expected to participate.

The timing also coincides with the highest inflow of tourists into the country, thus, making the event a melting pot for visitors arriving from all parts of the world.

Century Promotion will also organise the 20th New Trade for Development Grand Trade Fair from April 20 to May 4, 2012. The grand fair will be held in relation to the Ethiopian Easter Festival.