PUBLIC-private partnership is the way to go if the country is to achieve its economic development aspirations outlined in Vision 2020, according to the Minister for Trade and Industry, François Kanimba.

Kanimba was speaking at the  launch of construction activities of a multi-billion modern market in Musanze District on Tuesday.

The four-storey complex will be constructed by Kodukumu, a local cooperative at the tune of Rwf4.5 billion, according to Raymond Niyonzima, the cooperative president.

It will have an underground floor that will serve as parking lot with capacity to accommodate at least 70 vehicles and stores where businesses will keep their merchandise.

The facility will also provide room for commercial banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, among other facilities, according to cooperative members.

Kanimba said the project will benefit not only the members but also the entire district and the country at large.

"This shows a change in mindset on the part of the private sector. It also shows that we are all working together for national development,” Kanimba said.

The cooperative is made up of over 100 businesses with individual share capital ranges between Rwf2 million and 15 million.

Kanimba challenged local leaders to support the private sector, adding that in some cases investors find it difficult to do business.

He urged businesses in Musanze to consider investing in  more projects so as to explore the potential of district.

Niyonzima said the cooperative embarked on the market project after realising that the old one was nolonger appropriate.

He thanked the district for providing the plot where the market is being constructed, saying it will help them boost their financial status as well as help the district generate more revenues through taxes.

The construction works will last for two years.

Currently businesses that previously operated from the market are temporally operating from the Musanze Taxi Park as they await the completion for the modern market.