Rwanda's exports 'need support'

10 July 2009

Rwanda's exports may fail to compete against other countries' unless measures are taken to reduce corruption along the road to Kenya's port of Mombasa, it has been claimed.

Minister of trade and commerce Monique Nsanzabaganwa explained this opinion to Reuters in an interview.

She noted the route is vital to trade, adding: "Rwanda, being the remotest country ... we are subject to more hurdles than any other country."

Although member states of the East African Community have agreed to introduce a committee to monitor non-tariff barriers, Ms Nsanzabaganwa asserted the challenges remain tough.

"We have the raw materials, we have agriculture, we have minerals but we need capital, technology and skills to add value to our natural resources," she said.

The country's industries may be damaged by an increase in competition, but by increasing exports it should reduce its trade deficit in time, the minister concluded.

Ms Nsanzabaganwa has worked as the minister of trade and commerce since 2008. Before this, she was minister of state for economic planning.

Category: Transport