The first ever Made in Rwanda Expo opened in Kigali this weekend. Apart from debunking the myth that locally made products are inferior to imported good, it is also a window to showcase achievements by local entrepreneurs.

It is disheartening to see supermarket shelves stocked with merchandise from neighbouring countries yet the same could be procured here.

While the country is a signatory to the East African Community treaty that advocates, among other things, free movement of goods, the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Ministry in charge of trade should do everything possible to market local products to our neighbours.

The first step would be to address the alleged issue of high production costs that makes made in Rwanda products less competitive in our region. As long as imported goods are cheaper than what is available locally, local manufacturers will always play second fiddle to their foreign rivals.

But local producers should also not just sit there thinking the government will pave the way to sell their produce.

They should take the bull by the horns and clean up their act by ensuring quality, attractive and modern packaging as well as aggressive advertising.

The customer first impression is what appeals to the eye. Dull and sloppy packaging will always put them off, so the Made in Rwanda Expo should be an opportunity to judge whether local products can pull their weight internationally.

Local consumers should also help make the expo a success by flocking to the venue and supporting our local industries because, as the saying goes; "Charity begins at home”.