CHICAGO - President Paul Kagame last night met with leading Chicago investors, entrepreneurs and political figures at a dinner gala hosted by Joe Ritchie, himself a veteran Chicago entrepreneur.

Political figures at the dinner included former U.S. House Speaker, Dennis Hastert, and Rep. Bobby Rush from Chicago. The aim of the dinner meeting was to showcase Rwanda's pro-business policy and the country's potential for investment and social development.

"I am here to meet with thousands of Rwandans who have come from different parts of the United States and Canada, and others who have travelled from Rwanda, to be with us on Rwanda Day,’ the President told the guests.

"The whole idea is to bring Rwanda to them because most of them have lived here for many years although they have remained connected to Rwanda.

We want to discuss with them what is happening in Rwanda and how some of the things they are doing have contributed to Rwanda’s development in ways they might not be aware of”.

Joe Richie said that after hearing from Kagame: "All the guests seemed to agree that there is not any other place on the planet with opportunities like this”.

At the end of the dinner, participants had the opportunity to meet and interact with Rwandan officials and continue with discussions.

Meanwhile, Rwanda Day was officially opened on Friday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, after which banks and other Rwanda businesses exhibited their activities.

After the Minister’s opening remarks, discussions kicked off with panels covering topics ranging from youth to business and entrepreneurship.

Panelists included John Gara, CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Robert Bayigamba, President of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and Jack Kayonga of Rwanda Development Bank (BRD).

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