NAIROBI - Ten Rwandan companies started exhibiting their products yesterday ahead of the 8th African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum which kicks off today in Nairobi, Kenya.

Some of firms that are showcasing their products at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre include; UTEXRWA, COPROVIBA, a wine producing firm, Sina Gerald enterprises and CAFERWA.

The forum is expected to be opened today by US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who will be in Kenya as part of her seven-nation trip to Africa.

"We are glad to be here among the hundreds of exhibitors this week. We hope our firms will make a lot of networking in business and further improve our exports to the US market,” said Norman Musengimana, an official from the Private Sector Federation (PSF).

Hundreds thronged the Rwandan stands to among others, taste wine and also see and learn how mushroom powder is locally made in Rwanda.

The exhibition was opened yesterday by Kenyan Finance Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Clinton's visit

According to a press statement, Clinton's visit will highlight the Obama administration’s commitment to making Africa a priority in U.S. foreign policy.

This will be the earliest in any U.S. administration that both the President and the Secretary of State have visited Africa.

While in Kenya, Secretary Clinton will discuss new approaches to development, including an emphasis on investment and broad-based economic growth.

The Secretary will be joined in Kenya by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, and Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson.

During the visit, Clinton will deliver a speech at the ministerial opening ceremony for the AGOA Forum, as well as participate in bilateral meetings.

Other African countries expected to be visited by Clinton include Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Liberia and South Africa.

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