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RDB impressed by feedback on Rwandan agricultural products in France

By Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
On 3 March 2023 at 09:26

The Head of Special Economic Zones and Export Facilitation Department at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Diane Sayinzoga has said that Rwandan agricultural products have caught clients’ attention on French market and disclosed plans to increase the presence of local products on the global market.

Sayinzoga made the revelation on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at the Paris International Agricultural Trade Show 2023 attended by different Rwandan companies.

Rwanda is participating in the trade show for the second time. Local products being showcased at the exhibition held in France between 25th February and 5th March 2023 include French beans, chili, vegetables, honey and coffee among others.

Sayinzoga has said that the trade fair is of great significance as it helps Rwandans to showcase their products to diverse clients and learn from bets practices in terms of value addition.

“This is an opportunity for our exporters to meet different clients as well as distributors. As of now, some of them are already negotiating long term contracts with distributors based here in Paris. On top of that, this is an opportunity to learn because Rwandan exhibitors have been interacting with others from different countries,” she said.

“They were learning a lot in terms of technology being used in agriculture and we believe that it is going to add value to what they are doing. We hope that when we will be attending this exhibition in the coming years, they will have made further improvements,” added Sayinzoga.

Maggie Kagimbanyi Uwimbabazi representing Coopac Ltd from Rwanda and Virunga Coffee from Belgium, is among exhibitors and was recognized twice.

She commended RDB, National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwanda’s embassy in France and other partners for having facilitated them to participate.

“I am glad that our country’s flag flew high during this exhibition. Rwandans living here were delighted for received awards in recognition for our coffee,” noted Uwimbabazi.

Zurekha Gatera is another Rwandan attending the exhibition. He is representing Zatoms Avocado Oil, a company which produces cooking oil and body lotion from avocadoes.

Despite the company’s participation for the first time, Zurekha Gatera said that they were recognized for high quality products.

“I thank RDB and Rwanda’s embassy in France for smooth coordination that saw our country earning pride at this exhibition,” he revealed.

The Paris International Agricultural Trade Show started in 1870. It is organized by National Centre for Agricultural Shows and Trade Fairs (CENECA), in partnership with the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry in France.

Kagimbanyi Uwimbabazi Maggie representing Coopac Ltd from Rwanda and Virunga Coffee from Belgium is among participants of the trade fair.
Diane Sayinzoga interacting with some of exhibitors from Rwanda.
Diane Sayinzoga with Rwanda's Ambassador in France, Amb. François Nkulikiyimfura and Yves Karatwa, who is coordinating exhibitors on Rwandan side coordinator at the exhibition.
Zurekha Gatera is representing Zatoms Avocado Oil at the exhibition.
Diane Sayinzoga during an interview with IGIHE
Diane Sayinzoga is the Head of Special Economic Zones and Export Facilitation Department at Rwanda Development Board.

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