For information only - not an official document
UNIS/OUS/327
4 February 2016
Re-issued as received
VIENNA/KIGALI, 4 February (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) - During his two-day official visit to Rwanda which ended today, LI Yong, the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), was received by President Paul Kagame.
They discussed UNIDO's ongoing technical assistance to Rwanda and ways to further advance the country on the path of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
Director General Li commended the president for his leadership and the visible advances made towards Rwanda's socio-economic progress, calling Rwanda "a role model for other African countries in various facets of economic development".
Between 2006 and 2012, Rwanda's economy has experienced an average of 8.2 per cent growth rate, and in 2014 showed a 5.9 per cent growth rate.
During a meeting with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Francios Kanimba, a UNIDO Country Programme for Rwanda was signed. Developed together with the Government of Rwanda, it will focus on industrial policy and support to special economic zones; agro-value addition and food processing; developing human capital for industrialization and economic transformation; environment management; and energy for productive use. This will help further diversify the economy, and boost job creation through value addition and private sector development.
UNIDO's interventions were designed to assist the Government of Rwanda in addressing national development priorities and developing institutional capacity in various sectors of the economy to enhance the country's capabilities to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrial development. The projects planned within the country cooperation framework are fully aligned with the United Nations Development Assistance Programme (UNDAP) (2013-2018) for Rwanda and the Sustainable Development Goals. UNIDO assistance is expected to make a significant contribution to the on-going efforts of the Government to transform Rwanda into a Middle Income Country by 2020.
Minister Kanimba said that the implementation of the country programme will be key to achieving national priorities outlined in the Rwanda's Vision 2020 and the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy II (2013-2018) (EDPRS II).
The Director General of UNIDO also met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo; and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Claver Gatete. They discussed, among other matters, the need to reinforce multilateral partnerships for inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
LI Yong visited the Kigali special economic zone, which houses a recently established garment factory.
At meetings with the donor community and UN sister agencies, Director General Li expressed UNIDO's commitment to support and foster private sector development in Africa.
* *** *
For more information, please contact:
Matilda
Muweme
UNIDO Programme Officer
Email: M.Muweme[at]unido.org
