Canton fair presents opportunities to Rwandan businesses: officials

Rwandan businesses were Tuesday called on to attend the upcoming China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) as it presents an opportunity for the Rwandan private sector to forge more partnerships with their Chinese counterparts.

Gerald Mukubu, chief advocacy officer at Rwanda's Private Sector Federation, said the fair slated for next month, could also offer learning opportunity for Rwandans in terms of organizing trade exhibitions.

Mukubu spoke at a meeting organized by the Economic and Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Chinese embassy in Kigali to brief the businessmen about the exhibition.

The Canton Fair runs from Oct. 15 to Nov. 4 in south Chinese city of Guangzhou, during which commodities ranging from electronics, machinery to textiles and heath care products will be exhibited.

Mukubu urged business operators to go to China to explore business opportunities.

"It might be expensive to travel there, but I know you will win," he said, pointing to several benefits in terms of networking, bench-marking and getting some partnerships.

Canton Fair is arguably the largest trade fair in China, with the largest assortment of products, attendance, and number of business deals.

This is the 120th edition of the exhibition.

At the Kigali meeting, Zhang Liyong, the economics and commercial counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Kigali, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the fair will present both Rwanda and China with many opportunities in form of market as well as the needed products. Endit