The World Bank’s “Doing Business” report for 2020 ranked Rwanda as the second easiest place to do business in Africa. It is the 3^rd consecutive year that Rwanda maintains its good ranking in terms of ease of doing business. This ranking is a result of numerous efforts and reforms carried out over the years, which aimed at making the business environment in Rwanda seamless and efficient.

To date, more than 40 Singapore companies have been registered in Rwanda, and their operations have been going on very well. I am heartened to see their positive impacts on the Rwandan economy. Currently, more projects are being discussed and are at the advanced stages of planning.

Despite the effects of COVID-19, trade transactions between Rwanda and Singapore have been recovering well. Exports to Singapore have grown by 70% in the recent quarter of 2021 to $5.45M, positioning Singapore as among the top 10 export destinations of Rwandan products.

With comprehensive COVID-19 requirements in place, Rwanda is now safely opened to international tourists. The number of Singaporeans visiting Rwanda is recovering to its pre-pandemic level and MICE events have steadily picked up in the last few months. This is all thanks to the robust COVID-19 management measures put in place and the cooperation of everyone involved.

Cooperation between Rwanda and Singapore have adapted by moving online since the pandemic began. Various Singaporean institutions have trained hundreds of Rwandans through Singapore’s cooperation initiatives, and continue to do so online. Skills and knowledge gained from Singapore’s developmental journey have served to support Rwanda on its path to economic development, and we are heartened to evolve together with Singapore in combating the pandemic and its ripple effects.

The High Commission will continue to serve all friends of Rwanda, investors, and tourists from the region willing to visit and invest in Rwanda. We will also strengthen the existing good relationship with the countries and the people in the region, during and beyond these difficult times.