Xinhua, Kigali :
Business and government leaders at the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in Kigali declared Africa is open for business Wednesday, at the conclusion of the three-day meeting.
Speaking at the closing session, International Trade Center (ITC) Executive Director Arancha Gonz¨¢lez said the conference, first time held in Africa, reflected the reality of global trade.
“We have seen the dynamism and synergies of South-South partners at this WEDF, including from China, India, Brazil and Turkey who have been here to talk business and do business with Africa. This reflects the reality of trade today. South-South trade represents a rapidly growing share of global trade,” she said.
Gonz¨¢lez noted that this year’s event had been the largest ever WEDF, with more than 1,200 registered participants from 73 countries and commended the Government of Rwanda for having ensured a successful event.
Rwanda was ranked as the 3rd most competitive country for business in Africa in the World Economic Forum’s 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Index Report.
In the World Bank’s Doing Business 2014 report, the small East African nation was ranked 32nd out of 189 countries for ease of doing business, up from the 52nd place previously.
At WEDF, it became clear that the private sector has become more vocal on policy issues such as trade facilitation and addressing non-tariff barriers, according to organizers.
Several leading business figures called on governments to create an environment more conducive to business and to ensure that business priorities are represented in government policy.
