Minister Vincent Biruta graced the opening session of the third Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta attended the opening session of the 3rd Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum taking place under the theme of “Shared Prosperity: Harnessing the Potential of Zimbabwean and Rwandan Economies”.
Minister Vincent Biruta and Zimbabwe Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheillah Chikomo graced the opening session of the third Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum, set for 18-20 March 2024, in Kigali.
In his keynote speech, Minister Vinent Biruta recognized the progress made in improving trade flows between the two countries since the first edition of this business forum, signaling that more opportunities lie ahead: “Rwanda and Zimbabwe share a common will for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. By working together we can unlock new opportunities, accelerate investment flows, and create an environment for businesses to thrive.”
“This engagement presents an opportunity to share up-to-date and improved information on trade and investment opportunities between our two countries. We are at your service and will be pleased to assist businesses from Zimbabwe and Rwanda with trade information to increase market coverage for goods and services.”, Zimbabwe Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheillah Chikomo, said at the opening of the 3rd Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum.
Zimbabwe’s ability to surpass export targets is a testimony of the importance of this Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business forum, Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo added as she encourages companies to take full advantage of the B2B meetings organised on the sidelines of the 3rd Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum.
The event, which is organized by Zimbabwe’s trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, and the Rwanda Development Board, is expected to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
“As a result of organising the last two editions of the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Kigali and Harare, several MoUs and partnerships have been established, both in business and between the Governments. They span across various sectors including ICT, agriculture and livestock, e-Government, education, energy, infrastructure, and several others. We have a very solid foundation to start from to grow collaborations over the next two days”, said RDB CEO Francis Gatare at the opening session.
“As we continue fostering trade relations between our two countries, we believe there’s more we can do to solidify our position as lead trading partners.”, added ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru in his remarks.
ZimTrade CEO Allan T. Majuru further said Zimbabwe has a lot to offer businesses in Rwanda & urges participating companies to unlock opportunities presented by the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Forum.
Following the successful hosting of the previous editions of the Business Forum, the event provides a window for the two countries to explore new opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and agribusiness, mining and manufacturing, tourism & construction, ICT, Finance & education marking a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between the two African nations.
The inaugural event was held in Kigali in 2021, then dubbed the Rwanda-Zimbabwe Trade and Investment Conference, which saw the two countries signing several agreements to collaborate in areas of mutual economic interest.
Setting the tone of the inaugural Forum and future programmes, President Paul Kagame, said there is a need for the two countries to come together, pull resources and knowledge, and reinforce one another.
The reciprocal event was held in 2022, with over 50 businesses from Rwanda engaging with potential partners in Zimbabwe, as well as touring some companies to better understand local manufacturing processes.
This year’s event will strengthen business ties, as well as provide an opportunity for the Governments and private sectors in the two countries to take stock of the progress achieved to date.
Made in Zimbabwe products are being showcased at the ongoing Rwanda-Zimbabwe Business Forum in Kigali. Over the past four years, Rwanda’s imports from Zimbabwe have increased by 52%, while exports to Zimbabwe have grown by 8%. (End)