GIKONDO - The Government is convinced that the private sector is capable of driving the growth and eventual transformation of the economy.

The Prime Minister Bernard Makuza made the remarks while officially opening the 14th International Trade Fair at Gikondo expo grounds.

Makuza said that the current innovations and quality of products have enabled the country to meet International market standards, which is a sign that Rwanda is on track to become a private sector-led economy.

"I welcome this year’s organisation of the trade fair; we as government have been trying to see how we make the private sector a driver of our economy, now I have seen that you are ready to do it,” he said, while touring the exhibition stalls at Gikondo yesterday.

The chairman of the Private Sector Federation, Faustin Mbundu, said that government’s consistent efforts to support the private sector have helped shape its path to achieving the status of a strong middle-income economy in Africa.

"The government’s support to the private sector is essential to enhance the competiveness of our economy,” he said, adding that the permanent dialogue between the public and private sector has brought with it numerous benefits.

Mbundu announced that this year’s exhibition attracted 486 exhibitors with 141 foreigners, showcasing various products and services in varied sectors such as ICT, organic farming, agro-processing as well as green energy. Last year’s exhibition attracted 180,000 visitors with this year’s edition envisaged to attract more visitors.

Uganda’s minister of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives, Amelia Kyambadde, said the exhibition is unique for attracting numerous foreign exhibitors and many small scale industries.

"I am moved by the way Rwanda’s economy is growing, I am optimistic that our relationship in business will continue to be strong”, she said, adding that Rwanda is the biggest market for Uganda’s products.

Biraguma Yousoung of Bakhresa Milling factory said that the expo is as a platform to reach out to the company’s target markets locally.

"Many people are coming here to get to learn about us and they are buying our range of grain flour products, which is an indication that they have come to appreciate products made in their own country,” he said.

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