The chairman of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Benjamin Gasamagera, has encouraged Rwandan traders to look for business partnership with Tanzanians and increase competitiveness.
He said this on Friday during the first Tanzania Rwanda Trade Forum (TRTF) in Kigali.
“We will provide ground not only for partnerships but also possible business opportunities for both our private sector operators, facilitate joint venture opportunities and exchange relevant business information and intelligence,” Gasamagera said.
“In a forum such as TRTF, we are reminded to take advantage of the region as a single market for trade and investments,” he said.
Gasamagera explained that information sharing will help in managing businesses much easier with a common goal.
He added that the volume of exports between the two countries will increase and conducive environments for trade will be improved.
Valentine Rugwabiza, the Minister of East African Community (MINEAC), said that the two countries will continue to work very actively to remove any trade barriers.
“We need to work together to become global players and shift from being domestic players. As government, we stand ready to avail any facilitation for your businesses,” said Rugwabiza.
The TRTF was held under the theme: ‘Strengthening Bilateral and Trade Investment Opportunities.’ it attracted key business players from Tanzania and Rwanda’s private sectors, as well as policy-makers from both governments.
Since John Magufuli was inaugurated as president last November, Rwanda and Tanzania have made significant steps to improve bilateral relations.
At a recent press conference in Kigali, president Kagame was asked about the Rwanda-Tanzania relations. He said: “Our relationship was once taken for granted; I thank the leadership of President John Pombe Magufuli for putting things right in his country and in the region.
“We will continue maintaining that relationship and joint investment like the Rusumo one-stop border post and Rusumo and International Bridge, even the Dar es Salaam port opportunities,” he added.
Being a landlocked country, Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port is very vital in handling most of Rwanda’s imports and exports.
Source: The Rwanda Focus

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.