Rwandans shipped sixteen tonnes of assorted goods to exhibit at the Global Village Trade Fair in the United Arab Emirates. Information from Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Riepa) indicates that handcrafts, coffee, tea, hides and skin and table decorations were part of theconsignment. The festival in Dubai lasts for 80 days, giving businesses opportunity to expose, promote, market and sell their products in the largest commercial hub in the Middle East. Riepa upbeat“Participating in the Global Village Trade Fair has presented a good opportunity to the Rwandan companies to display their goods and services to a much wider market .This will also promote the private sector to generate market in the Middle East and the world,” Jean Guy Afrika, the director of export promotion Riepa said. Apparently, the Rwandan pavilion which has 27 shops is attracting several show-goers with some placing orders. “There has been high demand for Rwandan tea and coffee especially by people from the Middle East countries. They are on market and they might run out of stock earlier than expected,” Afrika said in an interview. At least 16 Rwandan companies are exhibiting in Dubai. And more— including Dape and Rwanda Florists plan to also join the exhibition in January next year. ”This trade-fair provides a great opportunity for public relations—showcasing the new image of Rwanda. A lot of people were eager to know about the country. So this will definitely boost the Rwandan tourism industry,” Africa said. Global VillageThe Global Village provides a unique platform and perfect forum for each country all over the globe to showcase their merchandise, economy, arts, crafts, tourism, heritage, culture, architecture, cuisine and unique lifestyle. Ends