{Rwanda is putting in more efforts to support the Made in Rwanda program as a way of addressing challenges caused by the balance of trade deficits. }
Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics (NISR) indicate that from January to September 2015 Rwanda imports were valued at USD1, 384,310,000 and USD426,200,000 for exports.
During the launch of Made in Rwanda expo held at the Gikondo Private Sector Federation (PSF) grounds on Friday, the Minister of Trade and Industry, François Kanimba said that ‘the program is aimed at mobilizing Rwandans and foreigners to use products made in the country to offset bad trading patterns.
Kanimba said MINICOM’s survey findings last year indicate that Made in Rwanda program will enable the country save up to 18% of money spent on imports.
“We have realized that we have the ability of reducing expenditures on imports to the tune of almost USD450 million through import substitution by producing locally,” said Kanimba.
He said that production of cement and other construction materials will play a big role in reducing the gap in trade deficit. He gave an example of Cimerwa which has now turned to mass production since it increased six folds its production to satisfy the Rwanda market.
Some Rwandans say that made in Rwanda cement is expensive which deters them from buying it. Industry captains argue that products are expensive because of high transport costs and inadequate capacity to manufacture in bulk within a short time.
The director of Hollanda Fair Food, a company which makes Chips, told IGIHE that some Rwandan products are expensive but have unique characteristics and high quality.
He said the government of Rwanda shall continue supporting manufacturers and identify why foreign products are preferred so that, if they are policy related, they can be pragmatically addressed.
Promoting SMEs can have an impact of saving USD 124 million in import substitution.
The chairperson of Private Sector Federation, Benjamin Gasamagera has requested Rwandans to consume more home products and urged industries in Rwanda to produce in a way that meets international standards.
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