Asher Group, an Egyptian exporting and foreign trade company, said they are including Rwanda on the list of the countries in Africa where they will open stores, reported Business Week. When they open shop, it is hoped the Kigali distribution store will supply the growing clientele both in Rwanda and the region. The group announced their interest at an exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda, which opened July 4, the report said. Ahmed Ali, general manager Asher Group, said, "…Rwanda is a potential market for our products." The Kigali store will be the third in the COMESA region after Zambia and Burundi. There are ongoing efforts to encourage Africans to consume African manufactured goods which are cheaper and readily available, in part to reduce Africa 's import bill. Karisiti, a trader in Kigali, said it takes only 21 days to ship goods from Cairo to Dar Es Salaam port compared to two months required for goods from Asia or Europe.
