Burera District officials have expressed disappointment after a Japanese firm that pulled out of construction of a cross-border market at the Cyanika border.

Officials were speaking during the provincial assessment of performance contracts. The $4 million (about Rwf2.7 billion) market was to be constructed by Noguchi Holdings and it was expected to reduce informal cross-border trade in this area that shares a border with Uganda.

But the investors reversed the decision, explaining that they had other commitments in Kenya.

While touring the area in October last year, Jean Marie Niyonzima, the Nonguchi Holdings Company chief executive, said constructing the border market was a viable business venture.

The company had committed to start works in November and have the market operational within one year. Government had also promised to avail land for the market. 

The Minister for Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba, confirmed the pullout, adding that government was looking for another investor to construct the market.

The market is supposed to have a bonded ware-house, a parking facility and administration infrastructure, among others.

The cross-border market, part of a broader plan that covers all borders is meant to ease business.