BUJUMBURA, October 29th (ABP) – Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca officially launched the 17th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Business Forum on Monday, October 28, 2024 in Bujumbura, under the theme “Accelerating regional integration through the development of value chains in climate resilient agriculture, mining and tourism”.
In his speech, Ndirakobuca welcomed all delegations and wished them a pleasant stay in Burundi. He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Secretary General and economic operators of COMESA for organizing the forum, which is of paramount importance. He further indicated that this is an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration, thus allowing the acceleration of economic growth and sustainability in the region through infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, development of the mining and tourism as well as in the fight against climate change. He also indicated that the government of Burundi is committed to strengthening growth to stimulate the national economy. Burundi’s vision, an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country in 2060, will find its way by attracting, facilitating and supporting investments, whether be national or foreign, he stressed.
He further underscored that a series of reforms aimed at supporting the private sector and improving the business climate have been implemented. Significant progress has been made, particularly in the legal and regulatory framework. These include the new investment code, the new mining code, a framework for public-private dialogue and good governance through the fight against corruption. The Burundian Prime Minister did not fail to inform the participants that given that the motto of the new Burundian government is “A responsible and hardworking government”, the President of the Republic of Burundi has already noted that investors and businesspeople are an engine for the growth of the national economy.
During the sessions led by panelists from different COMESA member countries, discussions focused on some salient points including the engagement of public and private stakeholders on solutions that will propel and transform COMESA member states into competitive and sustainable economies for the expansion of regional and global investment and many others.
Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Burundian Minister of Trade, one of the panelists, explained the reasons for investing in Burundi. “Burundi is a unique pole of attraction in the region, made up of the beaches of Lake Tanganyika offering leisure activities, breathtaking landscapes, the Kibira rainforest, the cultural heritage and the people of Burundi,” she demonstrated. Burundi enjoys political and security stability, an environment that is constantly improving thanks to reforms,” she continued to reveal.
Note that the aforementioned forum precedes the 23rd meeting of COMESA Heads of State and Government to be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024.