Focus Media (Kigali)
Timothy Kisambira
16 September 2008
MTN has been named the best overall exhibitor of Expo 2008, followed by Union des Banques Populaires du Rwanda and Home Décor from Burundi.
Companies from ten countries participated in the trade fair, and there was a total volume of trade of Frw 102 million. Visitors also clearly appreciated the Expo, with a daily average of 12,687 people; last Sunday saw the highest turn-up with 26,673 visitors.
William Malonza, sales and marketing director of Rhino Walls and Floors (Kenya) who represented the foreign exhibitors said that the trade fair has been a success. "It was the best so far, there were great prospects for business," he said.
Yet he voiced some of the concerns of foreign exhibitors, the first of which was that they would like PSF to make more tickets available to foreign exhibitors to enable them to invite their friends and business partners to the trade fair. There were also some problems of finding suitable hotel accommodation, and they asked a review of the rates which had doubled this year.
The local exhibitors, represented by Fabrice Shema the managing director of Pharmacie Continentale, were also very pleased with Expo 2008, especially the security and cleanliness. He pointed out that there had been no cases of theft, for which he thanked the police.
PSF chairman Robert Bayigamba for his part thanked both local and foreign exhibitors for their commitment. He also highlighted the social role of the fair, pointing to the free AIDS testing services made available. This year, some 2000 people made use of it, and 1.8% were found positive.
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