Zhauns, an engineering and manufacturing Group based in South Africa has decided to open a showroom in Rwanda after exploring the market during the ten-day 11th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF).

The company’s Regional representative, Nathan Rubangura told The New Times Monday at the Expo grounds in Gikondo that it will establish its offices in the country as soon as it gets space.

It was the first time for the company to participate and for South Africa to be represented in the Expo.

Rubangura said that they participated in the trade fair to explore the market and sell their products, an expectation which was realised.

"We anticipated people to buy the machines and ask questions about them as well as develop contacts from here, which was done,” said Rubangura.

Zhauns sells machines that make bricks, blocks, pavers, toilet rolls, injection molding machines, and many others.

"We are impressed by the turn up and the questions asked because it shows that they (people) are interested. This is the reason we are opening up a showroom as soon as we get a space,” explained Rubangura.

He also said that many people approached the firm and over 10,000 brochures were taken. Others have been calling and emailing asking for prices and information on the company’s products.

Rubangura explained that they realized that Rwanda is a good market for their machines more so because most of the raw material is exported while most of the finished goods are imported at an expensive price. That it would be cheaper if produced from within the country.

The Expo attracted exhibiters from nine countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Ghana, Egypt, India, Zanzibar and South Africa. 

It attracted 312 exhibitors, with 93 foreign and 219 local firms respectively.

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