Small and micro business exhibitors want incentives

Operators of small and micro businesses from the East African Community (EAC) that are participating in the ongoing international trade fair in Kigali want special treatmen,t especially on fees paid for stands as one way of benefiting from regional integration.The traders also dubbed “Jua Kali exhibitors” mainly fall under the informal sector and micro enterprises involving handcrafts, home décor and local fabrics.They (exhibitors) claim that their appeal follows the decision by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) to increase the cost of stands at the expo grounds.“Our prices are cheaper, hand made, but we got similar prices like international exhibitors, we might fail recover transport costs,” said Anne Wanji from Kenya. “It will not be possible for us to participate next year if the prices are not changed,” she said, adding that; “We need incentives as EAC small business operators.”However, Gerald Mukubu, PSF’s Director of Advocacy said the price were not changed and that each exhibitor pays Rwf450, 000 which is equivalent to US$747.5.James Makori, an exhibitor dealing in home décor said the turn up of clients is slow compared to last year.He attributed the slow down of clients to the either purchasing power that is low or many exhibitors sharing few clients.“This year business is down, people are admiring but very few can buy, last year between 20 to 30 would buy which has reduced below 10 clients a day,” he said.Clients are also particular in their decision mainly buying basics like food stuff and clothes while purchasing home décor and shoes depends on the balance.This year’s Expo that will run for 14 days will go until the August 8, 2012 and has attracted over 300 exhibitors from 20 countries.

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Small and micro business exhibitors want incentives