As Rwanda-UAE bilateral trade has hit a new milestone that reflects the growth in overall relations, Rwanda wants to expand the ties to new and advanced sectors such as fourth industrial revolution, said John Mirenge, Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE.
In an interview with state-run news agency WAM, he said: “Rwanda and the UAE enjoy excellent bilateral relations and the UAE is Rwanda’s leading trade partner.
According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, Rwanda-UAE bilateral trade crossed $1.1bn mark in 2023.
UAE-Rwanda trade
The envoy said exports from Rwanda to the UAE include a range of products, mainly horticulture.
Currently, Rwanda exports approximately 60 tonnes of horticultural products to the UAE weekly, a volume expected to increase.
Notable partnerships with major retailers in the UAE further contribute to the growth of horticultural exports to the UAE and other Gulf countries, he said.
He noted that 26 Rwandan companies have registered and operate businesses in Dubai, particularly in the logistics sector.
“We want those who have started their businesses to grow and others to come and take advantage of business opportunities across all emirates of the UAE.”
Talking about e-commerce, the top diplomat said more than 100 Rwandan companies are actively trading on the Dubuy.com platform, featuring popular products such as coffee and tea, key commodities in the UAE and other GCC countries.
Dubuy.com is DP World’s digital platform providing a B2B e-marketplace with end-to-end supply chain solutions.
In the logistics sector, DP World’s inland port in Kigali and regular RwandAir Kigali-Dubai flights provide flexible maritime and air transport means, the ambassador said. DP World is currently expanding its facilities in Kigali.
RwandAir, Rwanda’s flag carrier, has expanded its operations between both countries, introducing freighter services with dedicated cargo aircraft.
Currently operating three flights a week between Sharjah and Kigali, they mainly carry agricultural products from Kigali and return with the general cargo, mostly electronics, the diplomat said.
The trial reefer container shipment (refrigerated cargo) of Hass avocados by sea, initiated in December 2022, is set to continue, providing an alternative means to air freight, he explained.
Between 2000 and 2023, 14 UAE companies registered their businesses in Rwanda with investment commitments valued at more than $320m in sectors such as:
- Logistics
- Hospitality
- Mineral processing
- Manufacturing
- Road safety
- Transportation
- Agriculture
Highlighting Rwanda’s investment-friendly landscape, Ambassador Mirenge encouraged more United Arab Emirates companies to explore opportunities in his country.
Ambassador Mirenge pointed out the growing bilateral cooperation in other areas such as hospitality, health, education, information and communications technology (ICT), innovation, government experience exchange, and multilateral fora.
In terms of new areas of cooperation, the top diplomat emphasised the importance of the fourth industrial revolution, including artificial intelligence and space technology.
Collaborative efforts between the United Arab Emirates Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution, Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Space Agencies of both countries are crucial for cooperation in these sectors, he said.
Sustainable environment collaboration, focusing on urbanisation, renewable energy, and green growth, aligns with both nations’ ambitions, the envoy stressed.
Talking about the education sector, Ambassador Mirenge said scholarships offered by the Government have enabled Rwandan students to study at universities in the United Arab Emirates and find jobs in the country.
Sports is also a sector full of opportunities. Rwanda’s participation in the recently held Tour of Sharjah cycling race has opened a potential new avenue for collaboration in sports, he noted.
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