ALL SET FOR EAST AFRICA TRADE FAIR IN MWANZA

Mwanza. — More than 400 exhibitors and at least 500,000 visitors are expected in Mwanza next week for the 9th East Africa Trade Fair for this year, scheduled to take place at the Nyamagana Stadium.

The Chairman of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agricultre (TCCIA) for Mwanza Region, Mr Elibariki Mmari, told reporters yesterday that this year's event will be a showcase of a wide range of businesses and products from across the East African member states.

"Most of the East African companies mainly from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and host Tanzania have confirmed to take part this year, while almost all who participated last year have also shown interest to participate," he said.

He said the exhibitions as it has been the case with the previous ones target to provide opportunity for companies within Tanzania and the entire region to enhance brand and corporate image.

They also target to consolidate and strengthern network among the business community as well as taping the opportunity of Mwanza Region as the best available market and investment area with its excellent strategic location among others in the region.

Other important targets, according to Mr Mmari, are to provide an opportunity for Tanzanian companies to learn and enhance export trade and to give practical support to the East African Community (EAC) integration efforts.

He mentioned the range of the exihibits as agricultural products, food and beverage, textiles, garments and yarns, manufactured products, Information and Communication Technology (ITC) as well as construction materials, among others.

He said the Exhibitors are requested to contact the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) offices or clearing and forwading agents for information on import duties to avoid embarrassment.

"Exhibitors are also required to comply with the procedures governing the importation of the exhibition samples and should contact the relevant authorities for more information," he said.