Over 700 exhibitors from 19 countries are expected at the 27th Rwanda International Trade Fair that kicks off this Thursday, July 25, and ends on August 15, at Gikondo Expo Ground.

The three-week exhibition, which brings together Rwandan and foreign traders is expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors, according to the Private Sector Federation (PSF).

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Mohamed Aly, an Egyptian trader who has been attending the trade fair for eight years, said he has set up at least 49 exhibition stands selling a range of products such as electronics, carpets, chairs, and food spices.

"I feel very optimistic about this year’s EXPO because I am convinced that people tend to buy or attend trade fairs when they are generally fired up to celebrate. This is the case especially because Rwandans are coming out of a successful election period,” he said.

Aly added that most people prefer buying items in exhibitions to take advantage of lower-priced products.

According to PSF, out of the 19 countries that are participating in this year’s edition, 11 of them are from African countries and seven are from different Asian countries.

Delight Forkuok, a Ghanaian trader who has been attending the trade fair for 27 years, said she isexcited to return to Rwanda due to what she calls the changing nature of the business landscape.

"I have been coming here for 27 years now, and in that period, I have witnessed how the business landscape has evolved. We see an increased number of attendees and clients every year we come here. We think this year will not be any different,” she said.

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PSF has urged Rwandans to turn up in big numbers to take advantage of a range of products that are on display most of which will be selling at affordable prices, but also form business relations with their foreign counterparts.

According to Walter Hunde, PSF’s spokesperson, prices to attend have been set at Rwf500 for children and Rwf1000 for adults to make it affordable for all Rwandans to attend.

"I want to urge all Rwandans in general to participate and showcase their products. This is a good chance for Rwandan consumers to buy products that they otherwise wouldn’t find. It’s also a good moment for local traders to forge relations with foreign traders,” he said.