The 16th Annual Rwanda International Trade Fair (Expo 2013) that started yesterday will be officially opened today by the Prime Minister, Pierre Damien Habumuremyi.

However, by about 3:30pm yesterday some exhibitors were still setting up their stalls.

Cyprien Habiryayo, an exhibitor from tea producer, Sorwathe, said people were still few, but was hopeful the numbers would go up since yesterday was the first day. 

Ephrem Karangwa, the Expo 2013 co-ordinator, said this year there are many changes regarding quality and organisation. The ‘business corner’ for exhibitors to exchange ideas and network is one of the changes, he added. 

The expo is running under the theme, "Linking businesses to market”.

Karangwa noted that manufacturers from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) were attending the fair for the first time, which he said will help Rwandan business people make contacts with suppliers of products that are not produced in East Africa. 

At least 345 exhibitors, both local and foreign, are participating in the annual event that is aimed at showcasing new products and networking. Last year, 491 exhibitors participated.

The expo has attracted companies from the Comesa region, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.