Private sector key to Rwandan growth

KIGALI – Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair advised Rwanda on Sunday to focus on private sector investment to hasten development in the tiny central African nation.

Blair was giving unpaid advice to the government, which is seeking to transform Rwanda’s economy and image after the 1994 genocide that killed about 800 000 people. Rwandan President Paul Kagame is credited by supporters with restoring order, achieving healthy economic growth, developing new sectors such as IT, and running a disciplined government.But critics say his authoritarian style is hampering democracy.”In particular this is something that the President and I will work on, how to get the right levels of private sector investment and involvement so that people see the tremendous opportunities that are here,” Blair told reporters.”The question is how do we build the capability to make that happen, because the vision is one thing and to make it happen is another,” Blair said in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.Coffee is Rwanda’s biggest export by far.It also exports tea, tin and tungsten ore.The country of almost 10 million expects economic growth of 7,1 per cent in 2008 from six per cent in 2007.Former rebel leader Kagame hailed Blair’s visit saying it would help his nation attain economic growth.”Tony brings a lot of experience, capabilities and the connections he has internationally fit very well into what we are trying to do and renders invaluable support to achieve results that we want,” Kagame said.- Nampa-ReutersRwandan President Paul Kagame is credited by supporters with restoring order, achieving healthy economic growth, developing new sectors such as IT, and running a disciplined government.But critics say his authoritarian style is hampering democracy.”In particular this is something that the President and I will work on, how to get the right levels of private sector investment and involvement so that people see the tremendous opportunities that are here,” Blair told reporters.”The question is how do we build the capability to make that happen, because the vision is one thing and to make it happen is another,” Blair said in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.Coffee is Rwanda’s biggest export by far.It also exports tea, tin and tungsten ore.The country of almost 10 million expects economic growth of 7,1 per cent in 2008 from six per cent in 2007.Former rebel leader Kagame hailed Blair’s visit saying it would help his nation attain economic growth.”Tony brings a lot of experience, capabilities and the connections he has internationally fit very well into what we are trying to do and renders invaluable support to achieve results that we want,” Kagame said.- Nampa-Reuters