Ambassador of Rwanda H E Francois Nkulikiyimfura (centre) with Rwandan exhibitors at Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition and International Environmental Exhibition at the DECC. PIC: Ayeni Olusegun/The Peninsula
The ongoing Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and the International Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ) is an opportunity to market Rwanda’s agricultural sector to Qatar and interested investors, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda, H E Francois Nkulikiyimfura disclosed to the media.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, which will run until March 14, Nkulikiyimfura said Rwanda wants to attract more investors and increase its exports of agricultural produce to Qatar.
“This event is significant for us, and we want to make sure that we showcase the quality and uniqueness of our products. We want more Qataris to invest in the agri-business in Rwanda. So, seeing what is being produced in Rwanda in this event would hopefully attract them,” Nkulikiyimfura said.
“We have eight companies, and their services include horticultural products, and of course fresh vegetables.
“We have huge expectations from this exhibition, and we want to increase export and diversify our products. Some companies from Rwanda have already started exporting products here, and we want to increase not only company penetration, but also the variety of our products.”
The products being showcased at the Rwandan pavilion include coffee, flowers, fruits and vegetables.
He said Rwanda’s objective is to attract more exporters to Qatar’s vibrant market.
The Rwandan envoy also stressed that the positive investment climate in Rwanda is an essential factor in attracting more investors from Qatar.
“Rwanda’s climate of investment is one of the best in the world. We are number two in Africa right now after Mauritius. You can open a company between six to 10 hours in Rwanda through our Rwanda Development Board.
“We also have tax incentives for new investors, especially in the agricultural sector,” he added. On the economic ties between Qatar and Rwanda, Nkulikiyimfura said, “Economic relations with Qatar are robust. We do a lot with Qatar Airways. They are investing in our national carrier RwandAir and the Bugesera International Airport. We also have ties in other sectors.”
The exhibition is a platform for agriculture and environmental stakeholders to explore a wide range of new technologies and exchange expertise but most importantly, promote their brands.
Nearly 50 countries are participating in the exhibitions through their embassies and commercial offices in Doha.
