Kigali, 22 March 2017
President Kagame today received the World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim who is concluding his two-day visit in Rwanda.
During his visit in Rwanda, the World Bank President visited various projects undertaken by both the private and public sectors, which have the potential to impact the lives of ordinary Rwandans.
Addressing members of the press after the meeting with President Kagame, Jim Yong Kim said he believed that Rwanda was in a good position to wither storms of global economic uncertainties.
“I think that Rwanda in an especially good position. Rwanda has always been looking three steps, four steps ahead of anyone else and even though there are so few natural resources here, Rwanda has managed its economy brilliantly and we believe the growth here will continue. We have been a partner in many aspects of the Rwandan economic development and to us it’s a relief that Rwanda has a clear idea of where it’s going in terms of its development and we feel it’s a tremendous privilege to be here witnessing the tremendous growth and innovation happening here.”
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Claver Gatete said the World Bank’s visit in Rwanda aimed at witnessing how the bank’s support was making an impact in the country. He said the people of Rwanda are motivated by the visit and have confidence in the bank’s support.
Upon arrival, Jim Yong Kim visited the drone port in Muhanga District, before touring the Special Economic Zone as well and Klab/Fablab, which serve as incubators for innovation by the youth. The World Bank Group President also gave at the Kigali Convention Centre, where he discussed the need to shift approaches to development in order to meet aspirations of the World’s seven billion people and be the first generation in history to end extreme poverty, before visiting a social protection site in Kinyana village in Gasabo District.