BUSINESS ROUND-UP

Rwanda may no longer import bull semen The Rwanda Animal Resources and Development Agency (RARDA), which is amalgamated with other institutes to form the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAD) has stopped the importation of bull semen. This follows positive results from locally produced semen that was inseminated into local cows and heifers, which are giving off-springs. Dr. Theogene Rutagwenda, the Director General of RARDA said that about 25,000 calves have been produced out of the 49,000 inseminated cows and heifers as of the weekend. According to RARDA, over 60 percent of the inseminated cows and heifers are still pregnant, meaning that importation may only be necessary only if there is needs for a certain breed of cows that is needed in the country. Rwanda has been importing exotic bull bovine semen from South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom as a government policy, to improve animal production, and consequently help improve household incomes. RARDA targets to inseminate about 75,000 cows and heifers this year-representing a 35 percentage increase over those inseminated last year. Rwanda registers progress in EAC ‘Business Climate Index Survey’ The business environment in Rwanda has greatly improved in the recent past, making the country one of the fastest growing economies within the East African Community (EAC), according to a new report. Major reforms in the country have been listed in areas including, effective fighting of corruption, creation of a ‘One- Stop-Centre’ for investors, centralization of the tax service, issuing works permits and enforcing contracts. This has facilitated the country to be ranked highly in the recently released ‘Business Climate Index Survey’ for the year 2008, carried out from July to September 2008 to track the progress on the status of Non-Tarrif Barriers (NTBs) in the region. It also assesses the business climate and confidence in the region and also documents the expectations of the business community regarding business climate in future. The survey indicates that Rwanda outshined other partner states in two areas including the issuing of business licences and the freedom from corruption. This has made the country the most attractive to the business community in the region. The survey says that it takes at least 10 days to obtain a business license in Rwanda and Burundi while it takes longer (about 30 days) in the established EA economies of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. MTN-Rwandacell targets pre-paid clients for Blackberry MTN-Rwandacell’s mobile phone pre-paid clients will next month be able to enjoy the benefits of the newly launched BlackBerry product. Company officials said that by March another product benefitting clients on the ‘pay-as-you go’ service would be launched allowing those who wish to use BlackBerry smart phones. MTN-Rwandacell has an estimated 1.2 million subscribers, however of these, 99 percent pre-paid subscribers are yet to benefit from the BlackBerry services, which brings together smart phones, software among other functions to allow easy access to e-mail, phone, calendar, web, multimedia and corporate data applications. Though a date was not specified, the developments were confirmed by Yvonne Makolo, the company’s Head of Marketing and Sales. Samona to award Rwandan clients today The consumers of Samona products in Rwanda are to be rewarded for the continued support of the company’s products. According to officials, users of Samona products will be rewarded in a draw that has been running for the last nine months after filling coupons, from which they automatically won a ticket for the draw. As a way of fulfilling a corporate role of social responsibility, the company has engaged in several draws with grand prizes given to esteemed customers. Bernard Beyongyera the company’s publicist said, “It’s important to note that Samona is especially made to give you that natural look that brings you beauty and prestige.” Samona herbal products include jelly, soap and the hair pomade. PSF calls for more efforts against Non-Tariff Barriers Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) has called for more efforts against Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in the region. The call by the PSF Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Hategeka was made during the launch of the Business Climate Index (BCI) report 2008 at Hotel Novotel. The report aims Hategeka said, “Despite the paramount importance of the findings to the constant improvement of trade within the entire region, there is a lot needed to be done if the business climate is to flourish.” He explained that NTBs have proven to be an issue across the region according to the PSF survey conducted, which also contributed to the compilation of the new BCI report. Other NTBs that the PSF Executive Secretary pointed out included roadblocks and the poor infrastructure. According to officials from East African Business Council (EABC), NTBs have also been identified as a general concern in all member states. The Principal Trade Officer from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, Nduati Wa Karanji however said that the EABC is coming up with an innovatory to address the NTBs, which will require the inputs of regional business community members, private sector and other decision makers for updates. Ends