Writes Leo Odera Omolo

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza will on Friday officially open this year’s annual Uganda International Trade Fair (UGITF) organised by the Uganda Manufacturers Association.

This comes at a time Burundi is seeking to attract more Ugandan investors in sectors like education, energy, communication, and construction.

T.S Mukasa, the trade fair manager, explained that exhibitors and business visitors would be involved in business-related fora, workshops and conferences through the first three days of the week-long fair.

LUKEWARM START? Van Hassan Hussein, the China Machines Uganda engineer, explains to the showgoers how the walking tractor works. The firm deals in agro-processing technology

Though the meetings are importance to the international traders, by yesterday morning when they were supposed to begin, there were no organisers nor participants in the UMA Conference Hall.

They are held to create development ideas, business partnerships and showcase new innovations and technology. The 18th annual trade fair runs from October 6 to11.

Over 920 exhibitors from more than 38 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe are participating, up from 900 exhibited last year.

“The increase of participants benefits the association to improve the infrastructure of the exhibition halls and to also boost the activities of the association,” Mukasa said.

“The fair will offer companies a platform to launch new products and make direct contact with the consumers.”

Ends