Kigali, July 11, 2019:

As provided for by the Constitution of the Republic of Rwandan of 2003 amended in 2015 in its article 133, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente Edouard, explained to the Rwandan Parliament, both Chambers, Government of Rwanda’s actions in trade sector.

In his presentation, Prime Minister Ngirente focused mainly on achievements in the promotion of domestic and external trade.

Using various international indicators, the Prime Minister highlighted that Rwanda is well positioned in the development of infrastructure for the promotion of trade and investment. He said that within this framework, Rwanda has heavily invested in increasing trade infrastructure. Some of the infrastructures include: cross border markets, warehouses and cold rooms, construction of milk collection centers and roads to facilitate the trade.

In this presentation, the Prime Minister also said that during the last five years there has been a considerable increase in the production of some crops such as irish potatoes, rice, maize as well as milk production, which has led to the increase in the total turnover both in industrial and service sector.

On Foreign Direct Investment, the Premier said investment by foreigners increased by 18.6 percent since 2018 while total private flows also went up by 9.6 per cent at the end of 2016. He also noted that the value of exports has also increased at 73.8%.

On external trade, the value of exports increased at 5,5% while its volume increased at 17%. The Premier mentioned that in 2018 Rwanda had a US$ 105 million trade surplus in informal cross border trade.

The Prime Minister also noted that in 2018 there has been an increase in some exports compared to 2016, thanks mainly to the implementation of Made in Rwanda Policy.

The Premier detailed to the parliamentarians, the strategies and action plan for 2017-2024. He concluded his presentation by commending the Rwandan Parliament, both Chambers for their active role in closely monitoring and advising the Government on the smooth implementation of its actions, especially those related to the promotion of both domestic and external trade.

Click here read the full presentation of the Prime Minister.