KIGALI: RWANDA on Monday courted international investors to East Africa with prospects in the 130 million strong Common Market but sweetened the deal further for those who opt to invest in the country.
“If you choose to invest in Rwanda, you will find in us reliable partners,” President Paul Kagame appealed told delegates while opening the Rwanda economic forum, organized under the auspices of the Commonwealth Business Council, in the capital, Kigali.
“You will also have made a rewarding investment decision—you will be part of the ongoing story of Rwanda’s transformation, so I invite you to join us,” he said.
Rwanda, a member state of the East African Community (EAC) and COMESA, last year also became the 54th member of the Commonwealth, an exclusive club of former British colonies, worldwide.
Kagame said the country is now ready to trade with partner states and share benefits of the combined market population of 1 billion.
“Together, we will create wealth for a significant number of citizens within the commonwealth and beyond,” he said.
Investment officials said they had lined up over 35 projects in ICT, agriculture, tourism, mining, energy and power, as well as banking and financial sectors.
High level negotiations and joint ventures were in high gear from the first day, with some deals were expected to be sealed by the end of the two day conference.
The EAC Common Market, which becomes effective next month, is expected to open up common borders to allow free movement of goods, capital and labour.
Kagame promised the delegates that as a measure to facilitate investment, Rwanda and the other regional governments would ensure peace and stability for investments to flourish.
Other measures to facilitate investment, he said, include to streamline the legal and institutional environment so as to reduce the cost of doing business while eliminating unnecessary barriers.
Dr. Mohan Kaul, Director General of the Commonwealth Business Council said Rwanda’s progress over the last 16 years, with its future plans have made it prominent among investors.
Over 110 investors from different parts of the world attended the forum.
