Rwanda plans to use the upcoming China brand exposition in Kigali to attract Chinese manufacturing firms to invest in the country as it seeks to trim the trade deficit.

The expo, the first of its kind by Chinese companies in Rwanda is also meant to offer opportunities to local businesses to engage with global brands for trade opportunities.

At least 28 Chinese companies and 50 Rwandan firms are expected to take part in the exhibition slated to take place from November 4 to 6 at Kigali Conventional Centre.

 The exhibitors include companies in automobile, electronics, building and construction, industrial engineering, new energy, industrial products, plant and machinery, tools and equipment, and the chemical industry.

According to Wang Jiaxin, the Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, Chinese firms will display quality products as they seek to forge partnerships with their Rwandan counterparts.

The exhibition targets an audience of local businesses in distribution, wholesale and retail; import and export.

They also eye partnerships in engineering, manufacturing, agricultural and construction among others.

The exhibition is organized by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Trade Development Bureau in the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

An official at RDB said that; "We are expecting our companies to network with Chinese companies and if possible enter into joint ventures.”

"You know that we are promoting local manufacturing of goods. So, if we can have companies get established here and produce goods from here, that will help reduce imports.”

Officials said that the expo is also an opportunity for local firms to tap some technical know-how from their Chinese counterparts as well as share experiences on trade facilitation practices.

According to the United Nations COMTRADE, Rwanda’s imports from China amounted to $377.77 million in 2016 while exports were $4.8 million. 

editor@newtimesrwanda.com