It was a dream-come-true moment when the giant tents, imported from China, finally arrived at the expo ground early this week. Two engineers from Zhu Hai Liri Tent Technology Co. Ltd—the supplying company; Eng Zhen and Eng Eric immediately started work to ensure that the tents are erected within the next few days. The tents are quite huge because they were delivered in two long trucks, each carrying a 40ft container. People flocked the place to witness as the tents were being offloaded. This is in preparation for the 11th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) slated to open on August 28th to 8th September this year. Unlike the previous expos, this year, most of exhibitors will be accommodated in these two giant tents, apart from the sponsors that are already booked in strategic spaces outside the tents. The sponsors include among others; MTN Rwanda, Rwanda Commercial Bank (BCR), Electrogaz, Bralirwa, Rwandatel, ORINFOR and Rwandair Express. The tents are big enough to accommodate, in each, 138 standard stands. A standard stand is nine square meters. By Wednesday August 6, 2008, the contracted exhibition organizing firm, Exhibitions & Events Organizers (EEO) Ltd was reporting a total of 487 booked stands; of which 71 are foreign exhibitors and the rest all local. This figure is likely to increase because more were still booking by press time. This is going to be a record participation because last year 323 participated. The increase in the number of exhibitors is generally due to the aggressive promotion campaign by the PSF Expo Secretariat, which started early this year. Exhibitors are normally very concerned about the cost of stands. The rates are very affordable by all standards. For a local exhibitor, a square meter, goes for Frw450, 000 and for foreign exhibitors, a standard stand goes for US$1350 (Frw742, 000). Ends
