With reference to the interview you published regarding African Hides and Skins in your October issue, I would like to thank all those companies that have written to me with business proposals. I was flattered that so many of your readers considered buying hides and skins from Rwanda.
As expressed in the article we are exclusively represented by Arcapelli in Italy.
I mentioned in the interview that one of the more negative aspects of our trade in Rwanda was the smuggling of hides and skins via Uganda. We informed the local authorities and I have spoken to various agencies but no real efforts have been made to put a stop to this practice.
I am told there is an ageement between the smugglers and the Rwandan inspectors, who turn a blind eye with an extended hand.
Michel Rutayisire
AHS Kigali
