German minister says Rwanda's economic outlook attractive

German foreign minister Dr. Frank- Walter Steinmeier has praised Rwanda's investments in infrastructure, information technology and membership to the East African Community, saying it makes the country attractive to foreign investors.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Kigali with Rwanda's foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo, Steinmeier said Rwanda's economic outlook is rational and the ambition to grow the economy to middle-income status was commendable.

"You have a very rational [economic] outlook...market size is an important issue with regards to investors coming to your country. We see that you have a clear perception of where you want to go with your economic policy," he said.

The ministers talked to the press after discussions on economy and security especially in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

Steinmeier, who arrived in Kigali on Friday, from DR Congo ended his two-day business trip to the country on Saturday with a delegation of 50 members on the entourage, including entrepreneurs, academicians, parliamentarians and journalists.

Steinmeier noted that Rwanda's membership of a larger east African market of 140 million people with a stable macroeconomic environment as well as investment plan in infrastructure could attract German investors.

These are incentives that will be taken and acknowledged in Germany, he said.

On Rwandan rebels operating in DR Congo, the German minister urged the UN mission in Congo (Monusco) to deliver on its mission to disarm the militia.

The Rwandan foreign minister said the visit by her German counterpart provided the opportunity to strengthen bilateral development cooperation between the two countries.

Rwanda, Mushikiwabo said, feels a very special friendship for Germany not only because the two countries share a history of genocide and the ability to foster reconciliation in the communities affected by the mass slaughter, but also the productive relations.

It's linked to history but it's also linked to the quality of our relationship in modern times. "I think that's the basis of the kind of productive and serious ties that exist between our two countries, " said the Rwandan minister.

Mushikiwabo urged Germany to increase her presence in Africa. "We want to see more presence of Germany on this continent, she said, Germany is certainly a player globally and in Europe and I think in terms of revamping our relationship with Europe, Germany is an important player." said Mushikiwabo.

Mushikiwabo said Rwanda and the larger EAC market want more investments, especially in the areas of transport and energy.

She also reiterated that Rwanda wants to see stability returned in eastern DR Congo. Endi