Rwanda and Barbados have taken further steps to strengthen trade and investment relations at the Rwanda x Barbados Investment Forum that took place in Kigali on Wednesday 9th November 2022.

The forum organised by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in partnership with Invest Barbados and Export Barbados, the investment and export promotion agencies of Barbados, had Rwandan and Barbadian government and private sector officials participate and explore ways they can create synergies together.

Heads of government and private sector executives shared with their counterparts from Barbados sectors in both economies where they can exchange knowledge and best-practice while increasing investments such as; tourism, sports development, air connectivity and logistics, digital and financial services, green investments among others.

Speaking while delivering keynote remarks, Kerrie D. Symmonds, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for Barbados noted: “We have come this far in order to strengthen our economic ties and to take Barbados a few steps further along the lines of shaping destiny, building economic resilience and beginning a pathway towards prosperity for our people.

We believe on the basis of the relationship developed between President Kagame and Prime Minister Mottley, that this is a common vision for the people of Rwanda and Barbados and an opportunity to be grasped to broaden our economic development agenda.”

On her part, RDB Chief Executive Officer, Clare Akamanzi commended the fast steps that have been taken to strengthen economic relations between the two countries and noted that Rwanda will be looking to tap into the more advanced economic sectors of Barbados such as tourism, financial and sports.

“Usually when you look at the map, you think that Barbados is very far from Rwanda but I must say, the more we work together and collaborate, somehow that distance begins to reduce.”

Kaye-Anne Greenidge Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados said: “We view your nation as an incredible source of investment and trade. Our differences in geographical size or language are really no hindrances. Rwanda already has a strong agricultural base and this is an area that we can explore for our mutual benefit.
Barbados has placed high priority on the matter of food security, and a non-traditional source market is a major plus. I am sure that there is much that we can learn from you.”

The Barbadian delegation has been visiting the country since Monday this week, meeting with various Rwandan government and private sector stakeholders to network and learn from each other and visiting the Kigali Special Economic Zone.

Prior to the forum, the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministries of Sports and Infrastructure signed cooperation agreements with Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for Barbados, in the sports and aviation sectors.

In addition, the RDB delegation participating in the 2022 World Travel Market in London met with the Barbadian Minister of Tourism, Ian Gooding-Edghill and discussed areas of mutual cooperation in tourism between the two countries.
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