HUYE - The Minister of Commerce and Trade Monique Nsanzabaganwa on Wednesday called upon the business community, to improve its service delivery in order to turn Huye District into an attractive business destination.

The Minister made the remarks while meeting members of the private sector in the district. She lamented the sorry state of business premises within the town’s central business district.

"It is incomprehensible to find that businesses continue to operate in old dilapidated structures. Most districts in the country have refurbished their town structures so there is no reason why you cannot do the same,” the Minister said.

Huye town business district locally known as Kiharabu was built in the 1950’s. Plans to refurbish the buildings have been slow, as traders cite lack of financial resources to undertake rehabilitation.

Nsanzabaganwa, told business persons that one way of pooling resources was through formations of business associations. She said traders should take advantage of the country’s entry into the East African Community by looking at opportunities of undertaking trading with those from neighboring countries.

Symphrose Muakamazimpaka, the chairperson of Huye Private Sector Federation, blamed the lack of business acumen in the district on conservative mentality of residents.

"Business people want to stick to the old ways of doing things; they have refused to embrace modern ways of doing business. This is a big setback to business development in the district,” she noted.

The Mayor, Francois Uhagaze called upon all business people to adapt to changes and pledged the district’s collaboration in building a more vibrant private sector.

"Let us stop the blame game and instead work together to uplift our standards of living and the people we serve,” he said.

The private sector association in Huye District has over 60 members involved in different business activities.

Ends