At least twelve Ugandan companies with plans to start business in Rwanda are to attend the planned 11th Annual International Trade Fair at Gikondo, Kigali City.

The 12-day-long expo, will officially open on Thursday August 28 and ends on September 8th   at the Gikondo Expo grounds.

This will also be a chance for Rwandan consumers to interact with manufacturers of goods made in Uganda.

According to information obtained from Vantage Communications, a Ugandan firm that mobilising the Ugandan businesscommunity to attend the exhibition, 12 companies had been registered by press time.

But some companies booked space directly, meaning the number could be bigger.

Riley Media Uganda, Snowmans Limited, East African Cable Limited, Cooper Uganda limited are some of the companies that had registered, Grace Namata, Accounts Manager, Vantage Communications said.

Others are Skenya Motors, Mukwano and Uganda Clays, Ugasa Coatings Limited, Hardware Deals   are also among the companies that have confirmed participation.

Pradeep Bhardwaj, the General Manager, Riley Media Uganda in an interview with The New Times said, "We have plans of expanding around the region on a large scale, in the second phase. It is the reason we are also going to participate in the Rwandan trade fair.”

Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation, the chief organiser of the event expect participants from the entire region in addition to countries outside the region.

"Preparations are in advanced stages and this year the exhibition has upgraded to International Standards. The exhibitors and the general public will have a new thrilling experience with a very conducive environment,” said Emmanuel Hategeka, the Executive Director, Private Sector Federation.

Innovations this year at the Gikondo grounds include a wide covered space, paved walkways and green space.

He added that this year, PSF expects higher number of both local and international exhibitors.

New participants at this year’s exhibition are from German, France, China, Dubai (UAE), Iran, American Embassy in Rwanda and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Last year’s expo reportedly registered an average 30 per cent growth in terms of, among other parameters; visitors, exhibitors (both local and international) and revenues.

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