In a bid to help farmers market their products more easily, the Japanese embassy in Kigali has extended a $107,719 (about Rwf73m) grant for the construction of a multi-purpose exhibition centre in Huye District, Southern Province.

The three-storey structure comprising three exhibition halls, two conference rooms, among others, is expected to benefit about 1,800 people through marketing of their products and hosting technical trainings, according to Kazuya Ogawa, the Japanese ambassador to Rwanda.

Speaking after the signing ceremony in Kigali, yesterday, the envoy said the grant was in line with helping the country achieve its development targets through market-oriented agriculture.

Ogawa also promised that the embassy would closely follow up on the  project to ensure that the terms of the contract are respected.

Eugene Kayiranga, the  Mayor of Huye, said the grant would boost farmers’ activities.

"The majority of the people in my district largely depend on agriculture but they didn’t have a modern centre to market their products or undergo training,” Kayiranga said, adding that the development comes in handy.

He observed that the centre will shelter farmers involved in handicrafts, food processing, mushrooms farming, honey processing, and floriculture.

"We expect this establishment to foster job creation, especially for the youth,” Kayiranga said.

Bertin Mukiza, the in charge of  Co-operatives and Investment Promotion at the district, expressed optimism that the centre would also attract tourists, thereby increasing proceeds earned by the district.

The project is to be completed after one year.