Local producers, especially small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to participate in the forthcoming annual 19th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) to showcase their products and search for new markets. According to Eric Kabeera, the head of communications and marketing at PSF, the event provides local manufacturers a platform to learn and exchange ideas from each other on how to improve and enhance the production. 

"The exhibition is an opportunity for Rwanda’s business community to showcase their products, learn good practices and acquire knowledge that will enable them to improve production and quality so as to compete effectively on the international market,” Kabeera said.

The annual expo, organised by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Ministry of trade and Industry, is scheduled for July 27-August 10 at the Gikondo Expo Grounds in Kicukiro District.

This year’s tradeshow will also be an opportunity to strengthen the Made-in-Rwanda drive, which promotes consumption of locally produced goods as the country seeks to cut the import bill and spur export earnings in the short to medium-term.

Kabeera said over 450 local and international exhibitors are expected to participate in the expo, of which 150 will be foreign exhibitors from 17 countries, including Pakistan, Iran, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Syria, India, Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria and East African Community countries. About 408 exhibitors participated in last year’s event.

"There is need for Rwandan producers to enhance quality to be more competitive and penetrate other markets in the EAC, COMESA and on the international stage,” Kabeera noted. Companies from the manufacturing, agro-processing, leather, textile, banking, beverages, real estate and telecom sectors will exhibit products and new technologies at the event that is expected to attract more than 320,000 visitors.

Jean Damascene Hakizimana, a local small producer, said the expo gives Rwandans an avenue to learn from global exhibitors, and create linkages with the rest of the world. Registration for local exhibitors ends today.