Kigali, 29^th November 2019 - Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente expressed his gratitude to the valuable compliant taxpayers in the whole country, for their contribution to the country's development.

It was during the celebration of the 2019 Taxpayers’ Appreciation Day, a day that was celebrated for the 17th time since it was established in 2001. The ceremonies were held at the Intare Conference Arena in Gasabo District, on Friday evening.

"The contribution of taxes to the country's Gross Domestic Product is steadily increasing, during the Year 2018/2019, Rwanda Revenue Authority collected taxes that contributed to 16.3% of the National GDP," Prime Minister Ngirente said.

Even though we have a lot to be proud of, in terms of our role in the country's development through taxes collection, we need to do more ahead to attain where we want to be. In that regard, I am urging those who don't pay taxes to change their minds and understand that paying taxes is everyone's role." Prime Minister Ngirente added.

Dr Ngirente pointed out that according to the country's National Strategy for Transformation 2017-2024 (NST1), the amount of taxes to be collected shall be significantly increased.

To achieve that target, the Premier outlined some of the Government strategies that include the ease of investment cost in the country, improvement of domestic tax collection approaches, increase and development of infrastructures, as well as promotion of made in Rwanda products.

Prime Minister Ngirente urged taxpayers to continue using the Electronic Billing Machines (EBM) and encourage those who don't use this technology to start, since it contributes to stopping tax evasion.

He further called upon consumers to always remember asking for electronic billing machines receipts whenever they purchase products.

Click here, to view the pictures of this event.