President Paul Kagame, on Monday, met with a Japanese senior Congressman, Toshiaki Endo with whom they discussed promotion of investment from Japan, in both government and private sector among other issues. 

This was after attending the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad), which ended on Monday. 

Endo, is the head of Budget committee of Japan parliament and the chairperson of Japan-Rwanda Parliamentary Friendship Association (JRPFA). 

The President asked Endo to work toward increasing the number of Japanese tourists to Rwanda, promoting investment in both government and private sector, setting up "soft loan” (a loan with zero or low interest for a long term like 30 years) for projects in Rwanda, and technical support related to geothermal power generation. 

Endo promised to make the best efforts on these issues and also to visit Rwanda in the near future with "good results.” 

Growth in Africa

He told Kagame that JRPFA was set up two years ago based on the request by the former Rwandan Ambassador to Japan, Antoine Munyakazi Juru. 

JRPFA now actively communicates with Ambassador Dr Charles Murigande, Endo told the President.

He commended Rwanda for its revival from Genocide and the continuous and stable economic growth and security.  

Speaking after the conference, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "Growth exists in Africa, and now is the time to invest in an Africa that will continue to grow.” 

The conference brought together the leaders of 51 African nations as well as representatives of international organisations.