Rwandan President urges Hong Kong to invest in his country

Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda in central eastern Africa, asked Hong Kong's businessmen to invest in his country and be part of its economic revival.

The visiting Head of State made the remarks at a luncheon hosted by Hong Kong's business community to discuss the multiple business opportunities Rwanda has to offer. Members of the business community were eager to learn more about Rwanda’s business environment, its educational system and the opportunities for investment in energy.

“I invite you to be part of the revival of not only Rwanda but Africa. We want to look at change in the general context of the East African Community to which we belong and of Africa,” Kagame said.

Marc Holtzman, who also sits on the board of directors of the Bank of Kigali, referred to Rwanda as a miracle story and described Kagame as “a man with the vision that transformed Rwanda.”

Vivian Kayitesi, Head of Investment at Rwanda Development Board (RDB) explained to those present the progress that has led Rwanda to be ranked 3rd in Sub Saharan Africa at the recent World Economic Forum Competitiveness Report and the 8th easiest in doing business globally.

“RDB is dedicated to fast tracking Rwanda’s economic development by facilitating private sector investment. One of our recent accomplishments includes; decreasing the time required to open a business from 24 hours to 6 hours and procedures to obtain a construction permit from 30 days to 20 days.”

Addressing the question of education, President Kagame explained that the vision responsible for shaping Rwanda’s future, Vision 2020, was largely based on investing in the education of the youth.

President Kagame concluded by inviting the members of the business community to make the trip to Rwanda to witness the change that Rwandans have brought their nation. “Seeing is believing.”