Hosting this prestigious event for the 2nd occasion; Sri Lanka is determined to bring-in a number of value-added features in to the 8th SAARC Trade Fair which is scheduled to be held from 28th–31st August 2008, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. With the active participation of the other seven member countries, the event is expected to attract well over 100,000 visitors. Sri Lanka boasts of a highly literate and competent work force supported by a resilient economy with a strong business and industry sector functioning as the driver of economic growth. Sri Lankan state on the other hand has been extremely supportive of cultivating regional cooperation, hence this years’ trade fair too has received much attention of all stake holders.

The trade fair will feature well over 600 exhibitor organizations from the eight SAARC member countries who will showcase a magnificent range of products & services to a wide cross-section of visitors comprising end users, buyers, trade organizations, policy makers, state officials and academia.

The SAARC region being the largest geo-economic block of the world with a population of 1.2 billion people and a combined average growth of 7% and a customer base of over 425 million people in the middle class bracket is easily the largest economic block of the world. Hence an event of this nature will facilitate in economic cooperation and bring about harmonious and healthy economic relations among the business communities of the region. Another unique feature would be the setting up of country pavilions for each member country that will also depict their culture and other indigenous customs.