Rwandan envoy presents credentials in Finland

The Rwandan ambassador to Finland, with residence in Sweden, Christine Nkulikiyinka on Tuesday presented her letters of credence to H.E. President Sauli Niinistö of Finland. The Rwandan envoy commended the growing business ties between Finland and Rwanda noting that both countries still had extensive investment opportunities to explore. President Niinistö saluted Rwanda’s development since the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. He noted advancement in gender equality in Rwanda in particular saying he is a strong advocate for the He for She campaign to which President Paul Kagame is a global champion. Niinistö urged for a strengthening of bilateral trade between Rwanda and Finland. The Ambassador pointed at Rwanda’s push to increase domestic manufacturing in general through ‘Made in Rwanda’ as a source for high quality products for the Finnish Market. Finland is also famed for having the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world. Rwandan coffee currently reaches the Finnish market by way of third party coffee traders and not through direct buying. The president and the ambassador agreed on the need for direct coffee trade between Rwanda and Finland. The Ambassador noted that her mission to Finland was to improve bilateral relations, trade and investment. “More specifically, Finland is a world leader in areas such as ICT and education”, said Ambassador Nkulikiyinka. She also listed tourism and health as sectors where Rwanda and Finland could collaborate. Ambassador Nkurikiyinka with the Finnish president. One of the most significant investments by a Finnish Company in Rwanda is Kigali Heights which is mostly funded by Taaleri Plc. The Finnish Company last year said it was planning on even larger investments in Rwanda. Taaleri Plc’s investment in Rwanda could spur Finnish companies—renown for being innovative and nimble in their operations, to move into Rwanda. The Finnish education system is considered one of the best in the world and Finnish students consistently lead the world in academic proficiency tests. Technical and Vocational Training is also one of the strengths of Finland. The Ambassador and the Finnish President also discussed the Great Lakes region.

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Rwandan envoy presents credentials in Finland