Editor,

This is with reference to Grace Mugoya’s very interesting article in yesterday’s issue of The New Times titled:” SME managers, owners trained in management. "

The focus by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) on the SME sector is good news. It is important to note that the 2008 Private Sector Federation (PSF) Report found that SMEs contribute approximately 98 percent of the country’s total businesses.

With such a high percentage of Rwanda’s total business contributed by the SME sector, this great initiative of ICPAR and the recent entry of Business Partners International are both most welcome.

Recently, a group of managers and owners of SMEs from the United Kingdom spent around ten days in Mumbai learning best manufacturing practices and other relevant operational and administrative procedures from successful SMEs in this city.

The Indian Merchants’ Chamber, a 104 year old leading Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the country, would be happy to co-ordinate such a programme for ICPAR, Business Partners International, PSF, Rwanda Development Board or any other organisation in Rwanda, should they want to bring in a few SMEs to Mumbai to get a first-hand experience and draw from the expertise of successful SMEs in my country.

Clarence Fernandes
Chairman
Rwanda Renaissance
          and
Co-Chairman
Travel & Tourism Committee
Indian Merchants’ Chamber
clavinmarketing@gmail.com