Rwanda woos investors at Singapore forum

Foreign investors have been called upon to invest in the country’s services sector which has a wide range of incentives.

Wednesday, September 05, 2012
The Rwandan delegation pose for a group photo. The New Times / courtesy.

Foreign investors have been called upon to invest in the country’s services sector which has a wide range of incentives. Hubert Ruzibiza, an official from Rwanda Development Board (RDB), made the call while presenting a paper at the just concluded Africa-Singapore Business Forum 2012 (ASBF 2012.)Officials from RDB, Private Sector Federation and diplomats from the Rwandan High Commission in Singapore participated in the event that took place last week."The Rwandan delegation held business-to-business meetings at the sidelines of the forum with respective Singaporean companies,” a statement sent to The New Times from the High Commission reads.Ruzibiza highlighted available investment opportunities in the services sector in the country as well as related incentives. He further responded to questions ranging from tax regimes in the country and reassured those present of the country’s connectivity by air to South East Asia.The forum was aimed at creating greater sector-specific awareness of Singaporean companies to business opportunities and success stories in Africa and as well offer a platform for African nations to promote their own countries to the Singaporean business community.The sectors covered included energy, skills development, multi-media, construction and medical utilities.The ASBF 2012 was organised under the theme "Dynamic Africa: An evolving economic landscape’.The event that was organised for the second time by the Africa Group in Singapore that comprises of the five African diplomatic missions in Singapore and the Singaporean Business Federation among other partners attracted over 450 participants from Africa and South East Asia.The Minister in the Singaporean Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry, S. Iswaran, as well as other renowned speakers and panellists extolled the Rwandan government’s determination in lifting the country out of a painful past into one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.They also praised the country for providing and promoting a business friendly environment.Some of the Singaporean companies already doing business in the country also shared their positive experiences in the country.