Dutch investors explore business opportunities

A team of potential Dutch investors representing 15 corporations arrived in the country on Sunday to look at investment opportunities, especially in the agriculture and energy sectors.Their special focus is in the area of food security – agriculture, farming, agro-processing, livestock, water and agri-business – and in renewable energy and oil.The trade mission, the first ever from the Netherlands, is a result of a seminar organized by the Rwandan mission in the Netherlands back in September 2011 which was attended by 100 Dutch business leaders.On Monday, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) organised a workshop for the group, in Kigali at which Amb. Immaculée Uwanyiligira, Rwanda’s envoy to the Netherlands, who travelled with the group, told The New Times that the interest demonstrated by the Dutch business community last September had necessitated the embassy to create tangible investment projects starting with this trade mission.“Nothing is too hard when you put your heart to it, but a lot of effort is required if you want to do anything. Finding investors for the country is one of our very top priorities. We’ve left no stone unturned when trying to look for investors in the Netherlands.”The Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC), a non-profit organisation for Dutch companies trading in Africa, the Rwanda Chamber Foundation (RCF), a Dutch company with focus on Dutch-Rwanda business development, organised the trade mission in collaboration also with the Dutch Embassies in Kigali and Kampala, Uganda. It is a combined trade mission in Rwanda and Uganda from June 17 to 23. Bob van der Bijl, NABC Managing Director and head of mission, told the session that win-win situations will be at the forefront.“If you look at Rwanda, one thing that comes to mind is that this is typically one country that has an effective government, as you may know, is the most important precondition for economic growth. And we hope to contribute to the growth with the participants from our side to get a focus on knowledge transfer, and to increase the level of productivity,” the NABC chief said.Pointing out some of the key benefits the investors will look ahead to, Amb. Frans Marken, the Dutch envoy in Kigali, noted that Rwanda made huge jumps when it comes to doing business indices of the World Bank.“If you wanted your company to be registered this afternoon, it is possible. And there are institutions now that can help you on your way when you are coming to invest or you are planning to engage with Rwanda,” Amb. Marken said, as he also drew their attention to the challenges such as limited skilled staff, energy costs, infrastructure and land. Head of Investment Promotion at RDB, Vivian Kayitesi, also took the visiting team through the country’s opportunities and the role of RDB as a facilitator of investors.While in the country the businesspeople will also be introduced to Rwandan business counterparts with the view to establish continued consultations and dialogue. Kayitesi told reporters that the RDB will be involved in match-making or connecting the visitors with local investors involved in similar activities.Marie-Claudine Niyitegeka, a maize and beans farmer from Abajeneza cooperative in Kayonza district, is one of the local farmers who expressed hope to learn from them as they have expertise in various areas.Beer and beverages producer Bralirwa’s Managing Director, Jonathan Hall, gave the visitors more insight on Rwanda in Bralirwa’s perspective. He pointed out that in the regional angle, Rwanda is surrounded by giants such as Kenya but the resultant competition “is a very good thing” for business.

National

Dutch investors explore business opportunities