This week, the 11th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) will open and run until 8th September. Unlike the previous expos, this year’s event is expected to attract many more internationally renowned companies that will probably join Rwanda’s fast growing list of investors in the future. Information from the contracted exhibition organizing firm, Exhibitions & Events Organizers (EEO) Ltd reveals that a total of 300 exhibitors are already on site, and the figure is likely to increase. There is already a total of 500 stands; 71 of which have been booked by foreign exhibitors. With this kind of extraordinary expo preparation, a big question remains unanswered. Why should Rwanda hold such a grand exhibtion? There is need to enhance Government’s position of promoting a private sector-led economy, and this can only be achieved if there is coherent participation on the part of the exhibitors and the consumers. There is no gain in consumers moving from stand to stand, and calculating to ultimately finish at the drinks stand late in the evening to enjoy drinks with friends. There is a deliberate sense of carnival time at the expo. This is to forget the ultimate objectives of the exhibition. The future of this country is in the hands of the private sector. There is need to market the full potential of Rwanda and the expo provides the first platform to do that. We should not just sit and look at what other countries have for us, but now that we have the chance, we should exhibit what we also have for them. The expo provides the goers with an opportunity to learn how production is achieved, the challenges and the opportunities available regarding a particular product. It should be a teaching-learning chance besides striking business deals. This expo also puts us in spot as part of the East African Community, and this is our chance to showcase, and also learn from our counterparts. Ends
