Rwandan exporters have been urged to tap into the available investment opportunities in the Republic of Congo to help enhance the economic growth and development of the two countries.

This was said by Congolese minister for external trade and consumption, Euloge Landry Kolelas, while addressing Rwandan exporters who were exhibiting their products in the Central African nation.

The four-day exhibition, organised last week by Private Sector Federation through the Chamber of Rwanda farmers, sought to search for new market opportunities for local products, and identifying new business opportunities in order to increase exports.

The exhibition was held in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo’s second largest and commercial capital.

Apart from the exhibition, a business-to-business forum was organised, where Rwandan exporters met their Congolese counterparts to explore possible partnerships and other investment opportunities.

Over 40 local companies participated in the trade mission that also saw exporters meeting Congolese investors to discuss potential business opportunities between two countries.

The Congolese official further said that his country has vast trade opportunities for Rwandan products, adding that it was imperative for Rwandan exporters to be strategic and exploit the market.

He said the two Heads of State have already paved the way for the two countries to economically work together, adding that the ball was now in the hands of business communities in the two countries to exploit the markets.

"Our presidents have opened doors for us, we now have to utilise this opportunity and explore the business opportunities available. We have market for Rwandan products and we have to trade together in order to enhance intra-African trade,” Kolelas said.

The minister commended Rwanda’s trade mission to Congo, adding that it was imperative for African countries to trade together for the betterment of African citizens.

As a way of exploiting the Congolese market, Private Sector Federation, with support from the Government, has already opened up a multi-service centre in the Republic of Congo to search for markets for Rwandan products all aimed at increasing the local exports, according to officials.

Rwanda has embarked on efforts to increase exports to help reduce the current trade imbalance.

Other trade missions of a similar nature have been conducted in DR Congo, China, Turkey and more are expected in other parts of Africa and Asia, PSF said.

"Our target is to look for markets for our local exporters,” said Gerald Mukubu, the PSF’s chief advocacy officer who was part of the delegation.

He noted that PSF would continue strategising in different ways to get markets for local products in various parts of Africa and Asia.

Dr Jean-Baptiste Habyarimana, Rwanda’s ambassador to Republic of Congo, said Rwanda was delighted to trade with Congo as both countries enjoy diplomatic cooperation.

The trade mission, that ended yesterday, attracted Rwandan exporters in different sectors like ICT, agro-business, financial sector, infrastructure to mention but a few.

The Republic of Congo has opportunities in mineral and service sectors, and market for commodities, especially agricultural products, among others.

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