Blair praises Rwanda on new WB rankings

Former British Premier Tony Blair has congratulated Rwanda on its highly significant progress in the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings. The 2010 Doing Business report released on Wednesday named Rwanda the top global reformer, moving up in the ranks from 143rd the previous year to 67th worldwide. In a press statement, Blair expressed his admiration for President Paul Kagame, whom he said has championed the efforts that have catapulted the country to the current ranking. “This is a landmark achievement in the progress of a great country, which is becoming stronger by the day under the leadership of President Kagame. “Despite the global economic situation, Rwanda has made more progress in expanding the capacity for private sector, investment and growth than any other country,” said Blair. Blair is also an advisor to President Kagame on policy and governance efficiency a pillar to the country’s socio-economic transformation. “Rwanda can be proud that it is the first sub-Saharan African country to be named top global reformer by the World Bank - success which the President has every intention of building upon,” said Blair. The statement also indicates that despite the global economic situation, Rwanda has made more progress in expanding the capacity for private sector investment and growth than any other country. “Anyone considering where to invest should go to Rwanda and see the hugely significant progress President Kagame’s government has made in recent years. With his zero tolerance approach to corruption, extra protection for investors and sustained economic growth, investors should sit up and take note of this African success story.” Some of the key achievements that made Rwanda named a top reformer include the time it takes an entrepreneur to set up a business and according to the report, it take only two procedures for an investor to start business in the country. Blair’s Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) works closely with the Rwandan government on strengthening good governance and promoting private sector development. Ends

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Blair praises Rwanda on new WB rankings