Gaston Sindimwo visiting different stands during the official launch of the trade fair
Economic operators from different domains such as education, telecommunication, investment, art, agriculture, bank, tourism… were gathered at Tempête ground since September 2nd for the third trade fair organized by Kenya. This exposition which was officially launched on September 5th aimed at pushing Burundian and Kenyan businessmen to share experience. In his opening remarks, Kenneth Vitisia, Kenyan Ambassador to Burundi indicated that Kenyan economic operators want to continue to bring their capitals and invest in Burundi. “Therefore, Burundians need to safeguard peace and security to facilitate commercial activities between the two countries”, he underlined.
The same view is shared by Thomas Amolo, the diplomatic and political secretary in the Kenyan ministry of foreign affairs. For him, this third trade fair expo will strengthen the economic and commercial ties between Kenya and Burundi by “enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and regional integration”. “These links underscore a huge importance of intra-regional trade among EAC member states”, he said. In addition, he says: “I have been encouraged by what I have seen on this ground looking at the vitality of Burundian agriculture. I am convinced that trade between Burundi and Kenya can only grow better if we put our heads together and think about the beneficiaries, added values and the young people who should get the opportunity to share the wealth of their nations etc”. However, he underlines that they can’t succeed without removing non- tariff barriers and move forward with the regional integration.
Gaston Sindimwo, the first deputy president who officially launched the exposition indicated that it was a successful event from the beginning. “It has begun without any problem and Burundians have spent their night singing and dancing with Kidumu, the regional singer. This means that Kenyan officials contribute to show the world that Burundi is stable”, he says. The Burundian and Kenyan delegation visited different stands. Gaston Sindimwo suggested the minister of commerce, trade and tourism to organize a tourism week-end for all ministers. “We have 20 attractive sites, why don’t we discover them and attract other tourists?” he asks.
On behalf of the participants of this trade fair, it is a great opportunity to share experience and networking: “Surely, since my products are now open to everyone, I will have clients,” said Annick Kabatesi while explaining that her clothes are made of trees.
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