A delegation of Polish investors is in Rwanda to explore investment opportunities in various sectors of the economy. 

Iwona Woicka-Zulawska, the deputy director at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ department of economic cooperation, said the business trip aimed at creating a strong platform that will enable investors from both countries to forge strong trade partnerships thus strengthening bilateral and economic relationships. It is also part of the many initiatives to foster trade relations between the two countries.

The investors represent 10 Polish firms involved in agro-processing, ICT, medicine and pharmaceuticals, and hospitality.

Benjamin Gasamagera, the chairman of the local Private Sector Federation (PSF), said the three-day tour is part of the strategy to boost trade ties between the two countries.

In 2014, Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation signed a bilateral trade agreement with the Polish Chamber of Commerce as a means of fostering business between the two countries. The deal, allows the two to share expertise, business information, trade opportunities among others.

Charles Ngarambe, the honorary consul of Poland in Kigali, told The New Times that the partnership gives Rwanda to an opportunity to benefit from skills and technology transfer.

Rwanda is currently looking to diversify its export market as one of the measures to help narrow its trade deficit.

Therefore, strong economic ties with Poland could provide the country a gateway to penetrate more European Union markets, according to Francine Umutesi, the managing partner at Mutesi Initiative Consulting and co-founder of Diaspora Business Incubator. 

Polish investors from various sectors are also ready to investment in Rwanda, said Jacek Jedruszak, the head of the international cooperation department at the ministry of economic development in Poland.

Tapping into the Diaspora

Meanwhile, Jerzy Pietrucha, the Pietrucha Rwanda chief executive officer, said the country should take advantage of Rwandans in the Diaspora to increase its export volumes. "Rwandans living in the Diaspora could be marketing agents for the country, helping you penetrate more global markets,” Pietrucha said.

business@newtimes.co.rw