{"id":61414,"date":"2023-12-22T16:46:03","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T16:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/foreign-exhibitors-share-positive-experience-at-rubavus-expo-2023"},"modified":"2023-12-22T17:06:46","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T17:06:46","slug":"foreign-exhibitors-share-positive-experience-at-rubavus-expo-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/foreign-exhibitors-share-positive-experience-at-rubavus-expo-2023","title":{"rendered":"Foreign exhibitors share positive experience at Rubavu\u2019s Expo 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Foreign exhibitors at the ongoing 15-day Expo 2023 in Rubavu District, organised by Western Province and held at Lake Kivu Public Beach, have praised the security measures in place despite the conflict in neighboring DR Congo.<\/p>\n

Some of the exhibitors who spoke to The New Times praised the safety in Rubavu town, contrary to social media and some media reports before their arrival.<\/p>\n

Zaher Bouobaida, an Egyptian carpet exhibitor, said: \u201cIt is safe here, there is security compared to what we heard in media reports and social media. Clients are increasing, and we have made a profit within the four past days. It is nice here and security is granted, our goods are safe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He, however, suggested that it would be better if \u201ctents were well-organised to provide enough space for clients to easily visit stands. No pedestrian space was provided per tent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mike Jados, a Congolese cross-border transport operator and resident of Himbi in Goma town who spoke to The New Times while checking on his colleagues at their stand, said, \u201cIt\u2019s a good opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, meet new people, hence have their businesses thrive.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good they [exhibitors] cut on ordinary prices, and organisers can consider it for next editions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout Rwanda, there is no Goma as transit goods pass through Rubavu town, war has no solution, and residents depend on us in other ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

Local exhibitor Faustan Igiraneza of Iwacu Arts and Culture exhibiting local products, said the expo is an opportunity to sell their products and display cultural activities, adding that the location is good because it\u2019s by the lake.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great, a lot of people are coming up, and everything is okay. We came here to relax,\u201d said Peter Niyibizi, a father of three and businessman in Mbugangari, Gisenyi sector.<\/p>\n

According to Ernest Nkurunziza, Chairperson of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in Western Province, around 2,000 people were recorded on day two and the number has increased.<\/p>\n

About 176 exhibitors have taken part in the expo which runs until December 29, including business people from Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, and Egypt.<\/p>\n

\u201cRubavu town is safe and business is running as you can witness it by yourself,\u201d said De\u0301ogratias Nzabonimpa, Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development at Rubavu District.<\/p>\n

Egyptian exhibitor of carpets, Zaher Bouobaida, at the expo.<\/p>\n

Made in Rwanda products exhibited at the expo.<\/p>\n

Singer Ama G The Black entertains participants at the expo.<\/p>\n\r\n