Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Williams Nkurunziza, yesterday presented his credentials to the Bangladeshi President, Zillur Rahman.

Nkurunziza is accredited to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, despite having residence in the Indian Capital, New Delhi.

According to a statement from the High Commission, Nkurunziza is the first Rwandan envoy to present credentials in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

After the presentation of his letter of credence, the High Commissioner conveyed President Paul Kagame’s fraternal greetings and best wishes to President Rahaman for his good health and prosperity of his country and people.

"He also expressed the Rwandan president’s desire for strengthening and deepening bilateral relations between Rwanda and Bangladesh,” reads part of the statement.

After presenting credentials, the President hosted the envoy for bilateral discussions that centred on strengthening bilateral collaboration in advancing a common agenda in multi-national fora like the UN, especially in peacekeeping missions as well as the global quest for peace and security.

The envoy and the President also discussed equity in the international trading system as well as bilateral cooperation.

President Rahaman indicated that his country was ready to share its experiences in the areas of mechanised agriculture, food processing, textile and garment production, ceramics and ship-building where their industries are among the best in Asia.

After the ceremony, the envoy met a group of over 30 members of the business community in Bangladesh at a dinner at which he urged them to come and exploit "enormous opportunities in Rwanda’s virgin economy and to use its strategic location as their launch pad into Central Africa”.

Nkurunziza highlighted that Rwanda operates a liberalized economy, adding that the government has created a conducive business environment by eliminating almost all barriers to business.

"Starting Business in Rwanda takes less than 24 hours. Rwanda is ripe and ready for you” the High Commissioner told the attentive business leaders in the Asian country.  
 
Accompanied by the First Counsellor, Joseph Kabakeza, Nkurunziza visited and held talks with the Management of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries who expressed interest in advising their members from various sectors to explore business opportunities in Rwanda.

The High Commissioner is also scheduled to visit and engage the business community in Bangladesh’s Commercial Capital and seaport, Chittagong.

Ends