Rwanda to open a commercial representative office in Dubai

They discussed the procedures required to set up a commercial representative office of Rwanda in Dubai to help enhance the trade ties between the UAE, Dubai in particular, and Rwanda.

Al Mutaiwee welcomed the Rwandan guest stressing the importance of enhancing the diplomatic and trade relations between the UAE in general, Dubai in particular, and Rwanda, through opening a commercial representative office of Rwanda in Dubai and its significant role in developing the bilateral trade exchange between the two countries.

"The DCCI encourages the establishment of a commercial representative office of Rwanda in Dubai to help upgrade its diplomatic and economic ties of the Rwandan businessmen in the region, in addition to taking part in the trade exhibitions and economic conferences the DCCI organizes abroad. The DCCI is ready to extend all possible assistance to Rwandan businessmen through its outstanding commercial services," said Al Mutaiwee.

He pointed out that the opening of the Rwandan commercial office in Dubai is a significant step towards introducing the business community in Dubai to the trade activities of the Rwandan businessmen to help develop ties with their counterparts in Dubai, in regards with the remarkable increase of Dubai's non-oil trade during the past few years by 126 %, recording an annual rate of growth that reached 22.6 %.

"The existence of the Rwandan commercial representative office in Dubai would certainly contribute to the development of bilateral trade relations between Dubai and Rwanda, and it is advisable that the Rwandan Government could arrange a number of presentations and promotional fairs in Dubai to provide a chance to the business community in Dubai to learn more about the Rwandan economy and the incentives the Rwandan Government offers to investors and the available investment opportunities," Al Mutaiwee added.

Mr. Williams Nkunziza, Managing Director of Rwanda Investment and Export Promotion Agency, highlighted his government's interest to support trade ties with Dubai and benefit from the DCCI's pioneer experience in promoting Dubai and the activities of its business community, stressing that the Rwandan President intends to visit Dubai in March to meet with some top government officials and businessmen.

"Rwanda considers Dubai as one of the most remarkable cities in terms of economic development and we are interested in benefit from its experience in developing the economic and trade sector in Rwanda, as our new commercial representative office would be the first practical step towards enhancing the bilateral trade ties between Rwanda and Dubai. Our President is expected to open that commercial office during his official visit to Dubai in March, and that reflects our government's interest," said Mr. Nkunziza.

He noted that the new commercial office would also help strengthening the bilateral trade ties between the business community in Dubai and the Rwandan businessmen and investors who set up various types of commercial activities in Jafza.

Mr. Nkunziza said that the investment environment in Rwanda is very safe as the country now enjoys stable political and economic conditions and the minimum rates of crime and corruption in the whole African continent. He stressed that Rwanada has started carrying out major economic reforms and a construction booms 10 years ago thanks to the great support of the Rwandan Government and its commitment to upgrade its local economy and infrastructure.

Engineer Abdul Salam Mohammed Al Jassmi, Senior Manager at Jafza, underlined the DCCI's appreciated support to the activities of Jafza and Chamber's significant contribution in promoting Jafza which plays a key role in attracting foreign investment to the region.