The British government has called for a review of the existing studies on the Rwandan economy as part of efforts towards a new partnership to accelerate the country’s growth. The new partnership, ‘Growth Analytical Programme’, will help government in prioritising immediate actions to remove the instant barriers that slow down growth. “First, an economy-wide exercise reviewing studies on the Rwandan economy and growth prospects and producing a prioritised list of constraints should be priority,” Shriti Vadera, the visiting UK Minister for International Development, said yesterday during the Development Partners Meeting (DPM) at Kigali Serena Hotel.Vadera said that the detailed review will produce a prioritised list of specificities and resolutions. A draft report on the first phase of the programme would be ready for discussion in January next year. The development follows President Paul Kagame’s call on the country’s development partners to support government in identifying barriers that affect the country’s progress.Apart from the UK, other development partners called on to include the African Development Bank, and the World Bank. Vadera said that the agreed list of actions should be included into the government’s planning and administrative processes like 2009 budget and the medium-term expenditure framework. She urged development partners to fully collaborate with government by embracing the new growth partnership. “I know a number of you are currently finalising their countries’ strategies for Rwanda. I would urge you to incorporate the findings of this work,” she said. She however said that growth should be more inclusive other than aiming at only poverty reduction, and warned that growth that creates imbalances for certain groups in society eventually slows down. On Rwanda’s application to join the Commonwealth, Vadera said that the UK fully welcomes Rwanda’s bid to join the 53-nation club due to its visionary leadership and strong ties with Britain. Ends
