The Private Sector Federation (PSF) will next week conduct a trade mission to the Republic of Congo in a move that is aimed at marketing locally made products, and identify new business opportunities for local products.

The seven-day mission is part of broader efforts to promote Rwanda exports to the rest of Africa and the world, and will involve an exhibition open on November 2.

The trade mission is organised through the Chamber of Rwandan farmers. The exhibition will be held in Pointe-Noire, the second largest and commercial capital of the Republic of Congo.

Apart from the exhibition, a business-to-business forum is planned where Rwandan exporters will meet with their Congolese counterparts to explore possible partnerships and other investment opportunities.

"Our main objective is to facilitate local exporters to tap into foreign markets,” said Stephen Ruzibiza, the PSF CEO, adding that,  ‘‘we want to link’’ our local business operators to their counterparts in various countries to explore potential markets for their products.’’

More than 40 local companies will showcase their products at the expo, according to PSF.

The local products to be showcased are from various sectors, including agri-business, construction, ICT and financial sector, among others.

Emile Nsanzabaganwa, the General Manager, Kinazi Cassava Plant, is among the industry captains who will travel to the Republic of Congo and he has high expectations of securing clients in Congo.

"From the recent trade mission we had in Goma, DR Congo, I got a deal of supplying 1200 tonnes of flour, annually, and I hope that in Congo-Brazzaville I will get even more than that,” he said.

Rwanda has embarked on efforts to increase exports to help reduce the trade imbalance.

Other trade missions of a similar nature have been conducted in DR Congo, China, Turkey and more are expected in other parts of Africa and Asia.

PSF, with support from government, opened a Multi-service Centre in the Republic of Congo.

PSF last month signed an agreement with Group 250 and Sawa Citi Supermarket to distribute Rwandan products to Congo Brazzaville as well as offer logistical support to Rwandan exporters to access the Congo market.

Group 250 is an anchor company operating in the Republic of Congo in the sectors of import and export and infrastructure development, while Sawa Citi is a local retail store with a number of outlets in Kigali.

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