MUHANGA/MUSANZE - Mini-trade exhibitions organised by the Private Sector Federation in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce, kicked off in several districts across the country yesterday, with a call on exhibiters to learn from each other.

At Gitarama Stadium in Muhanga, the eight-day exposition attracted farmers and service providers from Ngororero, Ruhango, Kamonyi and Muhanga districts in the Western and Southern Provinces. 

Jean Pierre Mutabaruka, the chairman of Muhanga private sector, said that the event is meant to promote the business environment and raise awareness, among residents, on how to carry out business.

On day one, Ngororero District visibly had the biggest number of products on display. Many revellers flocked the district stand, inspecting and making numerous inquiries on the activities in the district. 

The Ngororero vice Mayor in-charge of Economic Affairs, Violette Mudahogora, outlined fruit production, mining and crafts among the products to be showcased.

"Such activities have progressed in the district and transformed the welfare of residents, despite the poor terrain and infrastructure. We hope this expo attracts local investments so as to increase the district’s trade base,” Mudahogora said.

The organisers of the Muhanga expo noted that such annual activities have enhanced the business atmosphere in the provinces, while promoting competition and knowledge sharing.

Meanwhile, at Ubworoherane Football Stadium in Musanze District, another mini-exposition has drawn businesspeople from Musanze and Burera districts.

Tourism, agriculture, artefacts, and locally developed technological machines are on display. Other products include clothes and banking services.

The Musanze vice Mayor  in charge of Economic Affairs, Jerome Mugenzi, said that the exhibition would create new development ventures for traders and promote local businesses.

Earlier, while officially opening the trade fair in Gakenke District, Governor Aime Bosenibamwe, called upon local exhibitors to use the opportunity to learn from their counterparts in order to improve the quality of their products.

"The business community should utilise this opportunity to explain what they produce, exchange contacts and to learn from fellow exhibitors,” Bosenibamwe said. 

He challenged members of the private sector to embrace innovativeness, value addition and good service delivery to clients if Rwandan businesses are to compete favourably on the regional market.

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