Mixed feelings at the Expo

Exhibitors at this Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) have expressed different reactions on the trading of their goods and services at the Gikondo grounds. Some exhibitors are satisfied with the general physical and financial turn-up of show-goers and while other are skeptical. Leon Manor the Director of Ken Luxury Rwanda, a water, mechanical and solar company said that the general experience is good compared to that of last year which helped them make contacts. “It has fulfilled our expectations as far as business dealing and networking is concerned. Potential clients have registered with us and we expect to follow them up,” he explained.“This expo is worth attending,” he added. The Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR) who are exhibiting and educating the public about their service have also expressed satisfaction from the general public. James Nsabimana, the Director of Contributors Education and Customer Relation Department said that the public has responded well. “People have inquired much about their social security contributions, which is a general indication that they are interested in the scheme,” he explained. This was also echoed by the Madhvani Group of Companies who are exhibiting new products expected to enter the local market through their sister companies such as Kabuye Sugar Works (KSW). Andrew Lubaale, the Groups’ Show Coordinator said that the sister company (KSW) has been able to showcase its new 1kg sugar packaging. “This environmental friendly packaging has been welcomed as well as other products that will be soon on the local market,” he explained. Kenya Airways’ Sales and Ticketing Agent, Jeanne Uwimpuhwe also said that the experience is, “so far so good.”“We have received some bookings and confirmed some clients, which isn’t bad business for us,” she said. However, some exhibitors expressed dissatisfaction claiming that the turn up has been poor coupled with high cost of rent.Francis Rutayisire, Area Representative for Mukwano Industries said that business has been slow yet stands are expensive. “There are few show goers probably due to the high entrance or poor advertisement. This has affected our sales,” he said.These were the same claims Manu Shah, a sales representative of Privilege. Nasta Munara, the Officer in Charge of the Expo Secretariat at Private Sector Federation (PSF) said that such claims offer them (organiser) room for improvement in the next expo. “Not all of them (exhibitors) are satisfied. Some are impressed while others are not,” she said. Munara explained that this is one of the best expo as far as organisation and turn up is concerned. “We made enough advertisement, which is portrayed by the number of exhibitors,” she added. This year’s expo has attracted 419 exhibitors from 11 countries from the region and afar. Ends

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Mixed feelings at the Expo