KIGALI - The ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) yesterday organised a two-day meeting with all Governors, District Mayors and administrative committees to discuss new strategies to take to boost development.

In an interview with The New Times, the Minister of Local Government, Protais Musoni, said a lot was needed to speed up the business sector which is the engine for the country’s development.

"One of the crucial points in this meeting will look at how rural farmers can increase their production stocks and reserve for exportation. This will enable the country to manage the rising global food and fuel prices,” Musoni said.

In the Health Sector, Musoni continued that the government will scrutinize the level of Rwandans joining the medical insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Sante) and how funds put in this sector are utilised.

On this point, he mentioned cases of misallocation of funds for the insurance scheme, where money transferred to health centres delays to reach them.

The State minister of Commerce and Trade, Vincent Karega, said that Rwanda has for the last 100 years been listed among the poorest countries due to negligence.

He lauded measures that had been put in place such as investment promotion by encouraging the rural population to work jointly with banks and micro-finance institutions.

He also pointed out the need for increased trade through infrastructure development in rural centres like setting up coffee factories, industrial promotion and informal sectors, among others.

Also mentioned were the promotion of the Private Sector Federation, and setting up laws and guidelines that suit investment promotion in the country.   

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