The 24th edition of Rwanda International Trade Fair, alias Expo Rwanda, has made room for DR Congo and Mozambique pavilion to showcase their respective countries’ specialties.
Happening for two consecutive years while merged with the Made in Rwanda Expo, it kicked off on December 9, and was inaugurated on December 14 by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Beata Habyarimana along with other officials.
The annual trade fair, taking place at Gikondo Expo Grounds, brought together over 400 exhibitors, both nationals and foreigners from 16 countries.
Habyarimana said that combining the two expos has borne fruits as at least 40 per cent of exhibitors are showcasing made in Rwanda products, "it is proof of the level of confidence that players in the industry have achieved over years.”
Among the special exhibitors, she commended the outstanding efforts made by two new countries; namely, DR Congo which has brought to the Rwandan market new products like chocolates, among others, that are usually imported from overseas.
Another pavilion is for Mozambique, a country that has recently undergone tough times and is in the process of stabilizing itself, she said, "we are pleased with their courage to attend this trade fair and showcase their products.”
Hamisi Mussa Sola, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation of North Kivu, DRC, said they judged it best to attend the exhibition in order to materialize the partnership with the private sector of Rwanda.
He added that in January 2022, they will sign a partnership pact with Rwanda’s PSF to further strengthen the collaboration between the two.
Gil Bires, Director General of APIEX Mozambique, heading the delegation in Expo Rwanda, said that this is an opportunity to share information with Rwandan investors about legal frameworks and business opportunities in Mozambique.
"It is an opportunity for us to strengthen bilateral cooperation on investment, trade, tourism, and so many other areas that we have in common,” he said
Robert Bafakulera, Chairman of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) said that the expo is intended to create networking and knowledge sharing among local and foreign exhibitors.
Guidelines to attend the trade fair
Bafakulera said people can buy their tickets through an online system, a move to avoid overcrowding of people as a measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.
He explained that people aged 18 and above are required to present their vaccination certificate but those who are not yet vaccinated or have one dose can be tested for Covid-19 on-site, free of charge.
Adding that nothing should hinder people from attending the trade fair, even young kids are allowed to attend with their parents as they all observe Covid-19 preventive measures.
Habyarimana said that the reason why they have put in place these measures is because of the commendable progress in the country’s vaccination rate.
CP Jean Bosco Kabera, the spokesperson of Rwanda National Police, assured maximum security for those attending the trade fair, indicating that there will be a police post to handle any complaint or issue.
Expo goers at Gikondo Expo Grounds on Tuesday, December 14. The annual trade fair, taking place, brought together over 400 exhibitors, both nationals and foreigners, from 16 countries.