Fifty-five vendors have been confirmed for next week’s Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) Go Local Experience Trade Days.

Cultural performances, a string band competition, fashion shows, a Kids Zone area and the popular “rito” hats and crafts will feature daily, from Monday.

Tarani and Piltz Napa have participated in the Trade Days for about 21 years. They started with Tarani’s Crafts and 10 years later, included a food stall.

Regardless of the number of stalls at this year’s event, Tarani says “we will all benefit” especially with the increasing number of tourists on the island.

“And Covid compelled people to become more self-reliant, become entrepreneurs and look into and enhance their talents and skills, when people had to work from home.”

In the past, the Pa Enua have made the Trade Days more special by bringing their crafts to add to the variety of products on sale during the week.

The concept of the Trade Days is all about the “Go Local Experience” with the focus on “Support Local, Buy Local”.

The Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) has encouraged the Pa Enua, individuals and groups to participate for the opportunity to earn extra income.

Repeta Puna, BTIB’s chief executive officer, said: “It is also about celebrating our economy and improving our economic productivity. This incorporates our people, culture and environment and it instigates a partnership with the main key sponsor, being Bank of the Cook Islands.”

BCI has sponsored the event since 2013 and BCI’s Ina Davie says “it is an opportunity and platform for small local business and entrepreneurs to promote their products and build up a sustainable business.

“It is encouraged for those who participate in BCI Trades to grow and establish themselves as businesses in the future.

“The people of the Cook Islands are gifted in many ways and can create many things which the trade day promotes to the public; we are nurturing the trade of tomorrow and supporting our Cook Islands people.”

The four-day event starts on Monday, August 2 to Friday, August 6, from 9am to 2pm, excluding the public holiday Constitution Day on Wednesday, August 4.