More than 90 vendors are expected to showcase their crafts, products as well as a variety of island style delicacies at the 2024 Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) Trade Day, starting this Wednesday at the Punanga Nui Market.

BTIB’s Charity Malaga says that since 2022, they have seen a huge increase in the number of registered vendors for BTIB Trade Day.

In 2022, BTIB registered about 60 vendors and last year, there were 86 vendors.

“So this year, we’re seeing that it’s increasing and we’re probably going to reach about 90 registered vendors by Wednesday. At the moment, we have 87 registered vendors,” Malaga said.

There are about 35 food vendors registered for this year’s Trade Day, representing an increase from previous years, says Malaga.

“We always see that there’s always more craft vendors that are likely to come through. But this year, the food vendors have also increased.”

She said they are also expecting some last-minute registrations.

Vendors from Mauke will be selling the renowned therapeutic oil, while Atiu vendors have sent in their famous fruit jams which will be sold at the BTIB stall as they won’t be able to attend this year’s Trade Day.

Highlighting the theme for this year’s event, “Grow local buy local”, Malaga says the aim is to increase the number of local vendors, especially small businesses who want to improve their trade and generate some revenue.

Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas is expected to officially open the event with a keynote address, followed by Jennifer Henry, the chief executive for Bank of Cook Islands (BCI).

BCI has been sponsoring this annual Trade Day, while BTIB is responsible for promoting, organising and coordinating the three-day event.

“Come down, bring your families and friends. And because there’s going to be a lot of entertainment, we have three live bands that will be performing throughout the three days … and then we also have some solo performances that will be taking place during lunchtime. So we’d really like to ask the public to come and support this event.”

BCI and Vodafone Cook Islands will also have their tents at the event, alongside the Ministry of Culture which will be selling Te Maeva Nui 2024 tickets.

The BTIB Trade Day will be held from 8.30am to 2pm daily from July 31 to August 2.