WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU- The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning James Musoni has said that the government is committed to using financial aid for development oriented projects as stipulated by the short term poverty eradication framework- the EDPRS.

Musoni was speaking Friday while concluding a two day Fifth Annual Development Partners Retreat, at Serena Kivu hotel in Rubavu. The retreat brought together Rwanda’s senior government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, the private sector, as well as international and national non- governmental organizations

"This retreat has been an important occasion for both development partners and the government of Rwanda to reflect on the progress of aid effectiveness in 2008. We summarized the challenge of improving the way we work because partners and government both need to work together,” explained Musoni who also chaired the meeting.

The annual development partners retreat is aimed at bringing together stakeholders in Rwanda’s development to review and discuss progress in coordination, harmonization and alignment of programmes and activities in order to improve the effectiveness of development assistance for Rwanda.

Minister Musoni, said that the retreat’s main objectives was to review the 2008 agreed donor actions in response to the Paris Declaration Survey findings while attempting to hold discussions on  challenges on aid transparency in Rwanda.

"I would like on behalf of the government of Rwanda to extend my sincere appreciation to development partners who have always been pro-active in pushing the aid effectiveness agenda forward. There is no doubt that the agreed actions from this year’s Development Partners Retreat will serve as a stepping stone for future development of Rwanda, especially financing the EDPRS,” he said.

The Finance Minister, called upon stakeholders and NGOs to support the country by improving the business climate for private investment.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Aurelien Abgenonci thanked the Rwandan government for its cooperation and transparency in aid utilisation.  

Abegnonci said that UN will work hand in hand with other NGOs and the government of Rwanda to provide an adequate and timely response to mitigate the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Rwanda’s economy.

Ends