KARONGI – The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has called upon the business community to embrace the fact that economic development is a collective responsibility.

The call was made on Tuesday by Molly Rwigamba, the Federation’s acting Chief Executive Officer during a consultative meeting with business persons from the districts of Karongi, Rutsiro and Ngororero. The meet was held at the western provincial headquarters.

"As we continue to play our role of promoting business and economic development, it is important that we all work together in order improve our economic status,” Rwigamba said.

She acknowledged and expressed concern over the western region Business Development Service offices which were recently closed down due to poor performance.

"I know there is a problem because you lack the federation’s business development partners in this region, but we have changed the approach. Soon consultants and resident accountants will be availed to help in monitoring and developing standard business projects,” she said.

Rwigamba pointed out that Business ethical committees would be set up in all districts as part of attempts to protect the image of the private sector and ensure that business persons are held accountable.

The business community was urged to partner with district authorities in the framework of private public partnerships to exploit various business opportunities.

Most business persons who spoke to The New Times shortly after the meeting, expressed concern over the procedure of awarding tenders by local authorities and the way Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) taxes them.

On his part, Karongi district Mayor Bernard Kayumba, encouraged the traders to stop blaming government institutions, but instead harmonise their relationships to effectively solve their problems.

Ends