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ISSUE Also speaking at the opening session was Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Di- Monthly rector of the International Trade Centre. She explained that Africa remains RWANDARWANDAFULFUL Roundup of the continent with the greatest promise. “Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s Rwanda’s second fastest-growing continent in economic terms, with GDP rising by an Stories average of 6% per year,” she said. 3838 TheThe HagueHague Ms Aranchez said that Sub-Saharan Africa’s demographics held great prom- August & September 2014 ise with young Africans’ entrepreneurial spirit and technology and innova- tion on the rise. Africa has become the second most attractive investment destination in the world and the continent’s rapid urbanisation, expanding middle class and increasing household expenditures are creating millions of President Kagame opens World Export consumers. Africa is already taking its place as the market of the future and local SMEs Development Forum in Rwanda can seize the opportunity to increase local value addition and begin selling to markets in the region. She noted that SMEs will play a large role in cre- ating the 500 million jobs needed by the year 2030 to meet the demand of the growing global working age population. Ms Gonzalez also announced the launch of ITC’s e-learning SME Trade Academy, which is now accessible to all from the ITC website. “The e- learning platform puts ITC’s expertise in the hands of entrepreneurs who want to tap into potential trade opportunities through practical online training and export related courses coupled with mentoring,” she said. Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer, Francis Gatare, said that Rwanda shares the same vision as the ITC – that a vibrant private sec- Developing countries will need to significantly change their mindsets for their economies to transform. Speaking tor is the only way trade-led growth and development can be achieved. during the opening session of the World Export Development Forum in Kigali on 16 September, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said that it was important for SMEs in developing countries to shift their mindsets in three key areas: believing that they can do it, not giving up and seeing competition as an opportunity rather than a problem. To achieve economic transformation, developing nations will have to believe in themselves, exercise hard word and resilience and develop the productive capacities of citizens, and their economies. “Our path to prosperity may be harder and slower than it was for others, but there is no country that is so isolated and disadvantaged that it cannot find some competitive edge in the global economy,” President Kagame said. “However, to find the right trade niche requires not only hard work, but also resilience in the face of setbacks and disappointments. If the path were easy or obvious, it would have been discovered already.” President Kagame added that to overcome geographical and other disadvantages, we must benchmark ourselves EMBASSY OF THE against the best in the world, not just against similar economies. He said that the government’s role remains find- REPUBLIC OF RWANDA The Hague ing ways to help people learn the lessons of competition faster and share them quickly. Pointing out that real www.netherlands.embassy.gov.rw wealth is in the mind and not on the ground, the President noted that building a competitive, modern economy [email protected] requires smart investments in human capital, and productive knowledge. Rwanda remains the most competitive economy in the region President Kagame visits Gikomero residents in Gasabo District Rwanda maintained its position as the most competitive economy in the East Afri- President Kagame met on 9 September over 25,000 residents of Gikomero sector and neighbouring sec- can region and third in Africa, according to a new Global Competitiveness Index tors in Gasabo District. He told the gathering at a community stadium in Munini cell to continue the hard report. work so as to achieve self-reliance. According to the 2014-15 World Economic Forum annual report released this week, Rwanda ranks 62nd globally with aggregate 4.3 out of seven. It is one of the four African economies in the top 75 most competitive countries out of 144 surveyed, the others being Mauritius (39th), South Africa (56th) and Botswana (74th). According to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Clever Gatete, Rwanda deserved the position because the country has maintained its impressive growth rate. "Our aim is to rank on top position and accelerate our country’ s growth. We are not resting; we are aiming higher for better and sustainable results that will benefit each and every Rwandan citizen," he noted. The report ranks Rwanda 18th with best structured institutions globally. On aver- age, Rwanda’s macroeconomic environment scored 4.6 aggregates out of a possible In his speech President Kagame called on residents to aspire for high productivity in every income- seven, while health and primary education registered 5.5 aggregates. Competitive- generating activities they do. He also asked the residents to work in cooperatives because it is the easi- ness was also recorded in financial markets (4.30), technological readiness (3.1), est way to access finance and markets. “The government will provide necessary infrastructures and business sophistication (3.80), and innovation (3.5). working environment but it’s the duty of people to use those facilities for their own development. It is very easy for business to prosper when people join hands and resources. We should target to become The Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 assesses the competitiveness of self reliant because we cannot keep on surviving on donors’ mercy,” said president Kagame landscape of 144 economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity. The report series remains the most comprehensive assessment of During his visit President Kagame reminded leaders to think about the people they are serving first. The national competitiveness worldwide. It is, therefore, crucial to address these struc- visit was also marked by a Q&A session where many residents asked various questions but also many tural challenges to ensure more sustainable and inclusive growth. More than ever, who thanked the leadership for key development programs that have changed their lives like Gira Inka cooperative leadership among business, government and civil society is needed to among many others. re-establish sustainable growth and raise living standards throughout the world. Gahima Celestin is a resident of Karambi cell in Gikomero. He received a cow from the Gira Inka program and since then he has not only improved his families wellbeing but has also gave its 2 calves with his neighbors. He now gets enough milk for his family and sells some to cover other needs. He added that he also benefited from VUP program and later received training in modern agricultural schemes that he used to plant his own banana plantation and now supplies key restaurants in the capital. Facts about Gasabo district Population: 16.740 residents Gikomero: Is the origin of Rwanda Cells : 5 cells Villages 20 villages Agriculture: Banana, Beans, Maize and Greens. East Africa Tourist Visa launched in the Netherlands by the Ambassadors of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda Tourists visiting the East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda find it easy and cheaper after the three countries created one seamless tourist destination with the launch of the East African single joint visa. The launch was celebrated at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague on Thursday 11 September 2014 organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda and the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya. Rwandan Ambassador H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ugandan Ambassador H.E. Mirjam Blaak-Sow and Kenyan Ambassador H.E. Rose Makena Muchiri officially unveiled the East African Tourist Visa, attended by more than 250 guests. The new cross-border visa simplifies travel arrangements for holidaymakers, as well as creates a new brand for the whole region and open up opportunities for joint marketing campaigns. Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda are famed for their wildlife, which will, through the introduction of a joint visa, boost regional travel, adding value to the tourism products of the three countries and highlighting the diversity of East Africa. The introduction of the single tourist visa is a result of a joint initiative and decision made by the Heads of State of the respective countries. More information about the East Africa Tourist Visa on the website of the Embassy: http://www.netherlands.embassy.gov.rw/index.php?id=255 Explore opportunities in Rwanda at AfricaWorks on 16 & 17 October The application form for the East Africa Tourist Visa can be downloaded here: The Netherlands African Business Council (NABC) and the African Studies Centre (ASC) will be or- http://www.netherlands.embassy.gov.rw/uploads/media/ ganizing the second edition of the Africa Works! conference on 16 and 17 October at the Holiday EAST_TOURIST_AFRICA_VISA_FINAL_01.pdf Inn in Leiden, the Netherlands. The aim of Africa Works! is to strengthen the dialogue between the private and public sector, NGOs and knowledge institutions to form partnerships on the African continent. To apply the East Africa Tourist Visa online, go to: http://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=233 Ambassador Karabaranga from the Rwandan Embassy in The Hague and Ambassador Cuelenaere from the Dutch Embassy