Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-03-16 08:38:19
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye held a meeting with stakeholders and officials from the Ministry of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism on Thursday, March 14, 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss strategies to position Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
President Ndayishimiye emphasized the importance of increasing exports to generate foreign exchange and drive economic growth. He highlighted the crucial role that exports play in the development of a country and urged for efforts to be doubled to facilitate exports.
Minister of Trade, Marie Chantal Nijimbere, raised concerns about the challenges hindering trade, including tariff and non-tariff barriers at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Gatumba. She called on the President to address these obstacles to allow for the export of Burundian products into the vast market of eastern DRC.
To boost the economy and enhance export opportunities, the government has identified places for the development of special economic zones. These zones are expected to contribute significantly to the exportation of Burundian products to larger markets.
The meeting also discussed various achievements aimed at boosting the economy, such as the implementation of the law on tourism, funding for the construction of railway infrastructure, renovation of Bujumbura airport, and the development of maritime transport with three shipyards currently under construction.
However, the meeting took place against a backdrop of rising inflation and price fluctuations for consumer goods in the local market. Burundi’s Central Bank reported that inflation in the country stood at 27 percent in December of the previous year, with projections indicating a further increase to over 30 percent by mid this year.
Overall, the meeting underscored the government’s commitment to addressing economic challenges, fostering export-led growth, and positioning Burundi for long-term development and prosperity. By implementing strategic initiatives and overcoming trade barriers, the country aims to realize its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2060.
Read the original article on Burundi Times
