HUYE-The 5th annual International Scientific Research Conference has opened at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) with a special focus on good governance and economic growth.The conference, which opened on Wednesday, attracted more than 200 participants from across the globe.At the opening ceremony, Dr. Marie- Christine Gasingirwa, the Director of Science, Technology and Research in the Ministry of Education underscored the importance of research in addressing the challenges affecting economic growth and good governance.She noted that research is important for any society to evolve, signalling its importance on guiding policy makers and finding solutions to existing challengesGasingirwa noted that innovations in the area of research and sciences will impact on the pace of the socio-economic transformation of the country."There is a need to share research results in these important areas [of Good governance and sustainable economic growth] to respond to the existing knowledge gap,” she stated."This conference is an attempt towards that direction of discussing the current scenario and suggesting the way forward to reinforce sustainable economic development and effective governance”.He commended the University for organising the conference, stating that it is in line with the 2020 vision- a development strategy aimed at transforming Rwanda into a middle income country by that year.She said: "A conference like this is very important for countries to find solutions to economic challenges and enable those countries attain economic growth.”"It is also an opportunity to improve good governance since it helps researchers to discuss about the quality services”The conference is conducted under the theme: "Sustainable Economic Development and Good Governance”.It aims at contributing to the development of Rwanda and improving service delivery, according to Prof Silas Lwakabamba, NUR’s Rector.NUR has been organising such research conferences since 2004. This year’s conference brought together researchers, industry people, practitioners, students, and decision- makers from all over the world to share the latest research results, innovations and experiences in economic development and good governance.The conference ends today.