{Private investors have presented to President Paul Kagame the challenges they do face in their daily operations including lack of tenants to rent space for newly constructed buildings while some government institutions delay in effecting payments for services offered. }
A total of 2000 business people from across the country and Kigali city met president Kagame yesterday in Kigali Convention Center where they commended him for valuing their businesses.
The meeting was meant to celebrate private sector achievements and highlight areas to be given priority.
The Board Chairman of Private Sector Federation in Rwanda, Benjamin Gasamagera said that traders are committed to working with the government in enhancing national development but still face some challenges which need to be addressed.
“Though commercial buildings are being raised in Kigali and elsewhere, tenants and the occupancy rate are still low. We request government intervention to motivate people on operating in modern spaces matching with the current vision,” he said.
He also stressed the need to empower the Export Development Fund to increase foreign revenues.
“Some government institutions delay payments to private investors; yet these businessmen have loans with high interest rates to settle,” said Gasamagera.
Private investors requested for an annual meet with President Kagame.
President Kagame encouraged dialogue between government institutions and the private sector.
“Issues regarding taxes should be discussed between government entities and private investors, and analyze issues considering the current situation. There must be implementation of policies with discernible reasons,” he said.
“Regarding taxes, some people wish they didn’t exist while another says even 1/1000 should not exist; but all have to discuss and reach an amiable position,” he added.
Regarding the case of accumulated arrears owed to private businessmen, President Kagame requested for reforms since the problem has persisted for long while explanations remain the same.
“You know how often we have discussed the matter. There is the Minister of Finance and others. Indeed when we go deeper into the problem, we realize the problem is delayed payments. These are things that are talked about and remain in writings and should be addressed”, he said.
President Kagame explained that there should be no excuses and delays given that technology has made transactions and procurement processes easier.
“No person can deliberately delay payments and pretend no consequences will get upon him/her. He may be identified if unfortunate. Listen government bodies, if things have to delay with reasons, explain it to the people. If there is no reason, there should be no delay,” he said.
On a positive note, the private investors pledged to increase exports by 28% annually until 2018, investing in electricity projects, facilitating the creation of new jobs and building an expo ground.
Private investors have contributed Rwf 1,100,000,000 in Girinka Munyarwanda program.
Loans offered to private sector have multiplied three times over the past five years rising from Rwf 397 billion in 2010 to Rwf 1.178 trillion in 2015. Taxes from private investors also rose from Rwf 460 billion in 2011/2012 to Rwf 986 billion in 2015/2016.
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