GIKONDO - Over Frw 100 million was realized from the 11th Rwanda International Trade Fair that ended yesterday, the Secretary General of the Private Sector Federation has revealed.

Emmanuel Hategeka made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the ten-day exhibition at the Private Sector Federation offices situated at the exhibition grounds in Gikondo. He said that the daily average trade volume turnover per company was Frw242,020.

"The exhibitors appreciated the improvements but also asked for a few other things in order to improve arrangements for the next exhibition,” he said.

In an interview with journalists, Hategeka stated that a long-term investment of Frw428 million was injected in the exhibition for infrastructure, importation of two mega tents and their installation.

While Frw152 million was the budget for other expenditures which were still ongoing. 

A total 312 exhibitors participated, with 93 foreign and 219 local firms respectively. He added that the total number of visitors to the exhibition was 126,287.

While representing foreign exhibitors, Rhino Walls and Floors Ltd’s Special Products Director of Sales and Marketing, William Malonza, expressed his appreciation on the improvements made at the expo ground, compared to past years.

"The events managers were prompt in responding to issues and were on call as and when needed. And in this case we also commend the open door policy in meeting various Ministers and relevant authorities,” Malonza explained.

He requested that in future, more tickets should be provided to the exhibitors to enable them invite some of their major clients/business associates.

He also asked for the increase of accommodation, saying that it seemed many events were taking place at the same time hence caausing a shortage of accommodation.

Meanwhile, the best exhibitor was MTN followed by Banque Populaire du Rwanda. And the best foreign exhibiting countries were Egypt followed by Kenya.

The best Provinces in carrying out mini expos in the past period were also awarded.The Southern and Eastern Provinces coming in that order. Several other exhibitors, sponsors and supporters of the expo were also awarded.

The Minister of Commerce, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, was the chief guest at a ceremony attended by several government officials, sponsors of the trade fair and exhibitors, among others.

Ends