THE mini expositions held in various districts in the Northern Province, closed Thursday, with exhibiters complaining that the sales were lower than expected.

The exhibiters, who included farmers, service providers and artisans, said the Private Sector Federation, should not have organised various exhibitions in different neighbouring districts at the same time.

The expos were held in Gakenke, Musanze and Gicumbi districts in the same week.

‘’We would have wished to display our products in various places because buyers are scattered across the province where we have outlets,’’ Claudine Nirere, from Urugaga Imbaraga, an Agriculture Cooperative said.

Jerome Mugenzi, the Musanze vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, said that future mini expos will not be held at the same period in order to allow traders exhibit their products across the province.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mugenzi challenged the traders to ensure quality and good customer care so as to widen their markets.

He added that the district has set up a committee to asses the level of customer care service delivery in hotels, banks, cooperatives, restaurants and the findings will be made public.

Edward Kamali, from the Business Development Services (BDS), explained that one of the major aims of this year’s mini expos was to raise awareness on customer service delivery. Five best exhibiters were rewarded with medals and certificates.

Meanwhile, closing the exhibition at the Byumba Taxi Park, in Gicumbi district, Mayor Bonane Nyangezi, also called on members of private sector to enhance the quality and quantity of their products.

"Production of high quality products shall earn you a wide market from prospective customers in the country and within the East African Community (EAC) member states,” said Nyangezi.

He hailed members of the private sector, for their role, which he said was spurring the district’s development. 
"The private sector has contributed to boost Gicumbi district’s economy, which earned us the second position in the recently concluded evaluation of performance contracts,” added Nyangezi. 

Bank of Kigali (BK), SORWATHE and Gicumbi district walked away with trophies of best exhibiters.  About 38 other exhibitors were awarded certificates.

Ends