TANZANIA expects to send 165 entrepreneurs to take part in the Nguvu Kazi exhibitions slated for Bujumbura, in Burundi between December 2 and 9, this year.

A total of 700 exhibitors from the five member countries of the East African Community (EAC) namely Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, are expected to take part in the regional fair.

The Minister for Labour and Employment, Ms Gaudencia Kabaka, told a news conference attended by some of the exhibitors in Dar es Salaam that a total of 805 local exhibitors had so far taken part in the exhibitions since they were introduced in 1999.

Nguvu Kazi or sometimes referred to as Jua Kali exhibition is an annual event where small and mediumsized entrepreneurs get an opportunity to showcase their products. The exhibitions are hosted each year in one of the capitals of the East African Community (EAC).

Last year it was held in Kampala, Uganda. Most of products that are showcased and sold to customers include handcrafts, garments and other items made from locally sourced products.

"Since it was introduced some 13 years ago it has managed to provide employment opportunities to over 2,000 local entrepreneurs," Ms Kabaka said during the news conference. She urged the entrepreneurs to properly represent the country at the exhibitions and also share experiences with their counterparts in the region on how to improve their products and secure reliable markets.