Rwanda offers wonderful platform to India to enhance presence in Africa: VP Ansari

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari hailed Rwanda for moving on from the unfortunate genocide of 1994 and embarking on the path of economic development, adding that the African country offers a wonderful platform to Indian partners to enhance their presence and capacities in other parts of Africa.

Addressing the India-Rwanda Business Forum organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali, Vice-president Ansari said Rwanda today offers a range of prospects to foreign investors, including in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, tourism, and Information and Communications Technology.

"The spectacular growth story of Rwanda, a result of the prudence and vision of Rwandan leadership, represents the dynamism and opportunities of African continent. Rwanda offers a wonderful platform to Indian partners to enhance their presence and capacities in other parts of Africa," he added.

The Vice-president also noted that it is an exciting prospect to see the captains of trade and industry from Rwanda stand alongside members of Indian business Community and innovators from various parts of India.

"This portends well for the future of Rwanda-India commercial and economic relations," he said.

He further said the efficient and clean city of Kigali, captures the great strides that this country is taking on its path of growth and prosperity.

The Vice-president also highlighted the bilateral relations between both the nations, saying they are marked by cordiality, convergence of views and cooperation on major international issues.

"Bilateral trade and investments have shown a healthy rise. Trade between India and Rwanda has been gradually increasing over the last few years. Rwanda is also a beneficiary of the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme of the Government of India extended to Least Developed Countries. Rwanda can avail of this facility to increase their exports to India. In fact, one of the key elements of the joint declaration issued during the official visit of President Kagame to India last month was to double trade in the next five years," he added.

He further asserted that India is a preferred destination for affordable and quality health care for Rwandans.

"Several Rwandans have travelled to India for medical treatment and have come back satisfied. India is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for quality and affordable education for Rwandan students. Every year more than 500 student visas are issued to Rwandan nationals," he added.

Vice President Ansari is on a five-day visit to Rwanda and Uganda.

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla and four Members of Parliament including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P.K. Biju are also a part of the delegation.

During his visit, Vice President Ansari will hold discussions with leaders in the two east African nations on issues of bilateral interest.