Private sector players have been challenged to improve customer service to attract new customers and hence ensure business growth and sustainability.

Vincent Munyeshyaka, the Minister of State for Socio-Economic Development, said customer service is critical to create a satisfied and loyal customer base that supports business growth.

Munyeshyaka was on Thursday speaking at the Kicukiro District Joint Action Development Forum expo organised by the district and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs at the Gikondo Expo Grounds in Kicukiro.

The minister said statistics show that the private sector is still lacking in customer care provision, which the business community must address.

Government has been running ‘Na Yombi’ campaign to enhance customer care and encourage businesses to incorporate excellent customer service as part of their business growth strategies. According to a 2009 study by IPAR, a local think tank, Rwanda stands to gain an increment of $40 million to annual GDP by improving customer service alone.

It is for such gains that the minister impressed it upon the 178 exhibitors to enhance customer service, as well as build strong partnership, saying they are essential to guarantee sustainable enterprise growth and profits.

Munyeshyaka also challenged the traders and the 76 non-profit groups at the expo to first improve quality and satisfy the local market, before targeting the export market. He lauded the exhibitors, saying producing using local raw materials contributes to job-creation and national development.

"District exhibitions give traders, industrialists and enterprising Rwandans an opportunity to meet new clients and create long lasting partnerships with like-minded entrepreneurs,” he said.

Perpetue Mukamuyumbu, the president of the Kicukiro District Joint Action Development Forum, said the expo is part of a national programme aimed at encouraging partnership between businesses operating in the same district, both private sector and non-governmental organisations.

"The district trade fairs also encourage young entrepreneurs and start-ups to showcase their businesses and services. This exhibition also will encourage consumption of Made-in-Rwanda products as it gives them exposure on the market,” she added.

Jeanne Nyirahabimana, the Kicukiro District mayor, said district trade fairs help residents know where to get services and products. "The tradeshow also encourages exhibitors to share experience, which could help improve quality and business practices,” she added.

Modeste Ngabonziza, a programme manager at the Indego Africa, said the expo is an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and create awareness about goods and services available in the district.

The expo closes today.