Monday, May 22, 2006

Investment Conference - Day 1

Today saw the opening of the 3rd Rwanda Investment Conference in Kigali by the President who attended with the First Lady. They remained till lunchtime and the President actively participated in the discussions on the programme.

The Rwanda Investment & Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) unveiled some of their concept designs for a new city centre for Kigali and a new modern airport with increased capacity. There were also concept designs for a convention centre and adjoining hotel in Kigali. To me one of the larger surprises was the Kigali City Tower concept design which reminded me of the tall glass buildings in Dubai and then hearing that it has gone past the concept stage and work has already commenced on the foundations.

There were also concept designs for hotels and resorts on Lake Kivu. Most of the different sectors of the economy and the relevant investment opportunities were covered in today's sessions. Tomorrow there are a variety of break-out sessions on the programme which promises for some good discussions.

Back at the hotel, I'm actually quite knackered so a quiet evening and preparing for tomorrow.

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