New Rwanda ready to be EAC’s investment hub

Editor, This is with reference to Arthur Asiimwe’s interesting article in yesterday’s issue of The New Times titled: “ Rwanda as an investment hub, are we ready ? “ Rwanda is definitely ready to be East Africa’s investment hub. When we compare the US$380 million worth of investments received by Rwanda in 2010 against the billions of dollars recorded by Kenya during the same year , we must bear in mind the comparative size of the two countries. It is a fact that Rwanda’s land size and population are smaller than Kenya. The quantum of investments should be benchmarked against the comparative size of the countries. If that were the case, Rwanda would certainly emerge victorious. PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is definitely correct in its evaluation of Rwanda becoming the country of preference for investors. And why is this so? The Rwanda Development Board has undoubtly won the hearts of potential investors. The Immigration Department, on its part, makes a visit to this beautiful country extremely smooth and hassle-free in their prompt response to online requests for visas. The Rwandan Police ensures that residents, visitors and investors actually feel the high level of safety and security. Here, I am reminded of advice given to me before my departure on my first ever visit to Rwanda in 2008: “Make sure you have two bodyguards while in Rwanda!” How wrong this advice was !. Unfortunately, this is the impression many people still harbour about the country. To correct this, I organised a seminar dubbed “Rwanda - A New African Dawn.” at the Indian Merchants’ Chamber upon my return. With concerted efforts at every level the Government of Rwanda, under the wise leadership of President Paul Kagame, does ensure that this land of a thousand hills will continue to keep millions smiling. Clarence FernandesChairmanRwanda Renaissance andCo-ChairmanTravel & Tourism CommittteeIndian Merchants’ Chamber clavinmarketing@gmail.com

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New Rwanda ready to be EAC’s investment hub