More than 90 local companies have been introduced to Global Connect Business to Business (GC B2B) thanks to the partnership between Rwanda and Singapore Business Federation (SBF). GC B2B is an online marketplace that facilitates trade in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and globally. The portal links businesses, allows suppliers to view and reach out to buyers and hence enables the establishment of a manufacturer and reseller partnerships. With the platform, Rwandan firms will be able to directly market their products and services to other companies across sectors. According to Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Singapore, it is essential for local firms to embrace the platform. “The platform is important because it ensures easy access to not only the Singapore market but also ASEAN,” he said. So far, he added, Singapore is the 6th biggest export country to Rwanda, and, therefore, the entry of Rwandan business to GC B2B will ensure an increase in exports and render imports more secure. According to a statement released after the virtual session, the companies which attended Tuesday’s event showed interest in joining the platform. This is not the first time local companies are introduced to the online platform. The recent session alike was held in the last quarter of 2020 and attracted at least 10 companies. Rwanda and Singapore area currently working in different aspects, most notably in aviation, investment, and public service management. Total investments by the Asian state in Rwanda amounted to $145 million in 2018. In last year’s webinar by SBF that sought to explore business opportunities in Rwanda, Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) noted that both countries draw a lot of economic inspirations from each other. “Rwanda, just like Singapore, very much prioritises economic development and improvement in the standards of living of its people,” she said.
