Chamber members invited to express interest in ITC-backed Rwanda trade mission

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce members are being invited to explore trade opportunities in Rwanda during a trade mission taking place next month.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is organising the mission to the central African country from 28 to 31 May, as part of the TradeMark Africa-led Value-added Initiative to Boost Employment Programme, which is co-implemented by ITC SheTrades in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

This trade mission is organised in collaboration with the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Specialized Cluster, the Rwanda Development Board and the National Agricultural Export Development Board.

The trade mission will focus on connecting women-led firms in the horticulture products sector with buyers from the United Kingdom.

A special emphasis is being placed on products such as fresh and processed chilis, avocados, passion fruits and French beans.

The mission will provide participating UK firms with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the business environment and specific market requirements to import from Rwanda, facilitate direct connections with key players in the horticulture sector, attend one-to-one business and networking meetings with potential suppliers and develop direct contacts.

According to the Department for Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Rwanda was £33 million in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2023, with total UK imports from Rwanda amounting to £14 million.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce president Nasir Awan (pictured), who last month led a GBCC delegation on an ITC-backed trade mission to Pakistan, said: “As part of my theme of international trade, after the first successful trade mission to Pakistan, I want to continue to connect our regional and UK businesses to new markets to source products as well as explore the prospects of bilateral trade.

“The funding has again been secured for 10 UK businesses with a schedule of B2B meetings and processing plant visits as well as presentations to understand trading with Rwanda from the British High Commission in Rwanda.

“There will also be sight-seeing opportunities.”

Chamber members who are interested in finding out more should contact their relationship manager to express an interest.

The deadline to register interest is Sunday 21 April.