BUJUMBURA September 12th (ABP) – In its program called “info corner”, the network of economic journalists of Burundi in collaboration with the Burundi development agency (ADB), has just organized in Bujumbura, a workshop capacity building on the state of the business climate in Burundi for media professionals.
In his presentation, the Director General of the Burundi Development Agency, Mr. Didace Ngendakumana, specified that the business climate in Burundi generally refers to the economic and commercial environment in which companies operate, before pointing out that Burundi offers a business climate favorable to both domestic and foreign investors.
He noted that the main objective of the business climate is to foster an environment conducive to investment, economic growth and business development while adding that a good business climate is essential to attract domestic and foreign investors. , stimulate entrepreneurship and encourage innovation.
According to Mr. Ngendakumana, the characteristics of the business climate include political and economic stability, the legal and regulatory framework, and access to financing. There, he clarified that businesses need easy access to finance to invest, grow and innovate, explaining that efficient banking systems and well-developed capital markets are positive features. Solid infrastructure and a qualified and available workforce are among the characteristics of the business climate, he stressed.
To evaluate a business climate, certain indicators are commonly used. He cited the Ease of Doing Business Index which measures the ease with which businesses can start, operate and close a business in a given country, the Corruption Perception Index to measure the perception of corruption in a given country, access to credit to see the ease of access to financing for businesses, including the interest rate and the guarantees required.
Mr. Ngendakumana also announced that reforms have been carried out to improve the business climate in Burundi such as the exemption of charges on real estate properties, the non-importation of taxes on raw materials, capital goods and specialized vehicles. , exemption from VAT on raw materials and equipment purchased locally and free repatriation of beneficiaries after payment of taxes.