. /.   WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/MIN(09)/ST/118 
2 December 2009 
 (09-6422) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Seventh Session Geneva, 30 November - 2 December 2009 Original:   English 
 
  
RWANDA 
 
Statement by the Honourable Monique Nsanzabaganwa
 
Minister of Trade and Industry  
  
 Rwanda welcomes the opportunity provided by MC 7 to reflect on the role of the multilateral 
trading system in promoting econom ic recovery and development. 
 
 This is timely – as our countries continue face  the negative impact of the global economic and 
financial crisis through declining FDI and remittances, contraction of  markets for our exports and loss 
of jobs and incomes. We, in developing countries particularly LDCs and other vulnerable economies 
have been the hardest hit by the crises as we ha ve little possibility for rapid remedies like stimulus 
packages employed by developed countries. The crisis threatens to reverse positive achievements 
registered in economic growth in many of our countries. 
  Rwanda supports a strong, open and fair, rules-based multilateral trading system to promote 
growth and development. We believe  that a predictable, inclusive and transparent trading system can 
play an important role in mitigating the negative effects of the crisis. 
 
 We reiterate the urgent need for a successful  and rapid conclusion of  the Doha development 
round. It is important to ensure that development remains the core of any outcome. The early conclusion of the Doha round can increase the confidence of the global business community with a disincentive effect to the current prot ectionist tendencies in some countries. 
 
 Weak economies particularly LDCs need to  develop productive and industrial capacities, 
diversify their export base and build trade-related Infrastructure in order to effectively benefit from 
the increasing globalization. This requires bot h domestic reforms and support from development 
partners.  
 Additional, predictable and aligned Aid for Trade can play an important role in helping our 
countries to achieve our trade competitiveness obj ectives. We commend the efforts of the WTO for 
the continued advocacy role among the different stak eholders for the Aid for Trade mobilization and 
would wish to see WTO play an enhanced role in the aid for Trade monitoring and evaluation process. 
 
 As an LDC country, Rwanda welcomes the ope rationalization of the Enhanced Integrated 
Framework aimed at assisting our countries to main stream trade in our nati onal development plans for 
effective integration into the multilateral trading system. We call upon our development partners to 
remain committed to supporting this initiative.   With the ongoing crisis, FDI inflows have beco me more selective. That is why my country 
has been putting emphasis on creating a conducive envi ronment to businesses. It may be recalled that 
in the World Bank Doing Business 2010 Report, Rwa nda received the “global top reformer” award. WT/MIN(09)/ST/118 
Page 2  
 
   In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Rwanda ’s commitment to work with the entire WTO 
Membership to strengthen the Multilateral Trading Sy stem and to ensure a successful conclusion of 
the Doha Round that will deliver  on our development aspirations. 
 
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