Local exhibitors and traders are gathered at expo ground for a two-day training, on customers care service as part of the 2009 International Trade Fair preparations.Customers care is a new initiative in this upcoming trade fair where there will be an introduction of the awards on the best customer care service provider.

The awards are introduced by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

This was announced by Emmanuel Hategeka the Chief Executive Officer CEO in PSF during a press conference at the federation’s offices to highlight the status of preparations. The 2009 expo is scheduled to take place from the 30th of July to the 10th August.

Hategeka said that a customer care stand at the expo is set to promote good customer care practices and standards using a range of promotional and educational materials.

"Customer care awards for exhibitors will be introduced; The public will cast by using their expo tickets and customer care boxes and winners will be awarded customer care prizes,” Hategeka said.

Winners will be announced daily and awards to be given to overall winner at the end of the trade fair.
Poor customer services in the country have been identified and a National Customer Care steering committee was established to address the problem effectively.

"The whole idea of the training is to create an opportunity for local traders to be equipped with relevant customer care skills that are needed to increase their competitiveness at this year’s trade fair,” said Clare Akamanzi the Chairperson of the customer care steering committee.

Akamanzi added that the committee also aims at increasing awareness on the importance of good customer service. The committee is optimistic that the situation will tremendously improve in the very near future.

According to a press statement issued there after, Workforce Development Authority has also conducted various training sessions in the hospitality and transportation sectors. Training programs include teaching basic language skills in English as well as imparting expertise on customer handling.

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