The Minister of Trade and Industry, Monique Nsazabaganwa, has called upon owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s), to register their businesses in order to get support from the government. She was speaking to the press shortly after touring activities of ADARWA, an association of craftsmen, mainly dealing in timber products, based in Gisozi.The tour was aimed at assessing challenges faced by SMEs. “These are Rwandans doing their business here; they need to be advised and supported, but we cannot support them before establishing their problems or without them registering,” she said, adding that registration will help them get identified as business operators. Among the problems raised by the traders were high taxes.The carpenters in Gisozi said authorization to fell trees was difficult to get and transportation costs were high. “There is good timber that comes from DR Congo, but we are taxed highly,” said Justin Gashaija, the chairman of ADARWA. Among the requirements are two permits, one for felling trees and another for the transportation of the timber, which they said can be eased. Nsanzabaganwa said that her Ministry will discuss with relevant institutions to get a solution for the problems.From Gisozi, Nsanzabaganwa proceeded to aNyabugogo and Kimisagara markets in Nyarugenge District. Ends
