Trade experts are evaluating the business environment in Rwanda to identify the country’s trade needs, priorities and weaknesses.

The assessment is under the guidance and facilitation of United Nations Agency for International Development (Usaid).

The final report from the study will help the country work on strategies of easing doing business and source assistance from development partners.

Justin Nsengiyumva, former secretary general ministry of commerce said the findings will also be used in trade deal negotiations.

He added: "Once trade opportunities, priorities and weaknesses are defined, negotiators at all levels will have their tasks eased, as issues such as transit of goods, customs regulatory and administration among other international trade barriers will be identified."

Edward Bizumurenyi, a technical official dealing with multilateral trade negotiations said. He is also a member of Rwanda’s permanent mission to the United Nations.

Paul Fekete, the Usaid facilitator said the programme is in line with WTO strategy to help less developed countries in trade needs and priority assessment.

Assessors are using international standards and procedures set by the WTO to evaluate Rwanda, but giving room to areas of national interest as their trade priorities.

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