Kigali to host first Tanzania-Rwanda trade forum

15May 2016
Beatrice Philemon
Business
Guardian On Sunday
Kigali to host first Tanzania-Rwanda trade forum

OVER 100 key business players from Tanzania and Rwanda’s private sectors and policymakers from both countries will attend the first Tanzania-Rwanda Trade Forum 2016 that will take place on May 20, this year in Kigali.

President of Tanzania, John Magufuli (r) with his Rwandese counterpart, Paul Kagame

A report from Forum manager Hubert Kissasi and made available to the Guardian yesterday indicates that the forum aims to promote trade, investments, and enhance bilateral partnerships between business actors from the two partner states.

This first Tanzania-Rwanda trade forum comes after an exciting aura of refreshed political will and relations between the two countries after the inauguration of the current administration under President John Magufuli.

As trade is the backbone of every economy, the forum comes at an opportune moment of renewed interest in the political relations between Tanzania and Rwanda, the statement said.

It indicates that the forum aims at fostering trade initiatives whose ultimate goal is to improve business environment, formalise trade and strengthen economic ties between Tanzania and Rwanda.

The forum is being organised by 361 Degrees in collaboration with TCCIA, Tantrade and the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA), Rwands PSF and sponsored by Bravo Logistics, Clouds TV, Rwanda and Simba Logistics. It is scheduled to take place on May 20 in Kigali.

The theme for the forum is: ‘Committed to Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations and Investment Opportunities.’

Last month President Magufuli made his first foreign state visit to Rwanda for the opening of the Rusumo one-stop border post and bridge at the invitation of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Speaking to both Rwandan and Tanzanian citizens and dignitaries gathered on the Rwandan side of the Rusumo border, President Magufuli pledged stronger cooperation with Rwanda.

“I would like to ask businesspeople in both countries and citizens from the entire East African Community (EAC) to work together and build our community. I trust that we can build our countries’ economies by working together,” Presidennt Magufuli said in a short speech.

The private sector in Tanzania has thus heeded the call by President Magufuli by initiating and creating the platform of the annual trade forum.

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