A team of officials led by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, John Rwangombwa, is in Washington DC, where it briefed the president of the World Bank and the US Treasury on the progress that the country has registered.

The team, met with World Bank president Robert Zoellick, who they told that Rwanda registered 5.5% economic growth despite of the current financial crunch.

According to statement availed to The New Times by the Rwandan Embassy in Washington DC, the Minister expressed Rwanda’s gratitude towards the bank’s constant support in implementing her developmental projects, most especially infrastructure.

Zoellick lauded the government’s commitment and promised the bank’s support.

Rwangombwa elaborated how Rwanda vision 2020 programs needs financing mechanisms outside the normal traditional source of financing. "Tourism is one of the best sectors that are doing well in Rwanda compared to other used traditional sectors,” Rwangombwa said.

"Rwanda being a landlocked country, the current infrastructure projects in Rwanda such as Bugesera airport and railway were seen as viable beneficial investment to the entire region and not Rwanda alone”.

The delegation also met with US Deputy Treasury Secretary Mr. Neal S.Wolin, Lael Brainard the Undersecretary Designate, Marisa Lago Assistant Secretary for International Markets and Development.

They discussed bilateral partnership and Rwanda raised the need in addressing balance of Payment.

The US Treasury Deputy Secretary expressed his government’s devotion to discuss with Rwanda the issue of food security and other infrastructure projects which are key sources of investment.

In the meeting with Executive Vice President of IFC, Lars H. Thunell, the officials were assured of institution’s commitment and readiness to increase their investment support to Rwanda.

Rwangombwa was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and the Secretary to Treasury Ms. Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, Rwandan Ambassador in Washington DC Eng. James Kimonyo, Embassy First Counselor Michael Rukata and two Senior Economic Advisors from the Ministry and Rwanda Development Board.

Ends