BUJUMBURA November 30th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye received in audience on November 28, 2023, the regional director of the International Financial Corporation (IFC) for East Africa, Mrs. Mary Porter , after the closing of the ceremonies of the National Private Sector Forum called “Umuzinga day”.
The spokesperson for the Head of State, Mrs. Rosine Guilène Gatoni, told the media that Mrs. Porter had come to Burundi to take part in the work of the National Private Sector Forum, initiated by the Burundi Head of State in order to participate and contribute to the dialogue which brings together the public and private sectors around a discussion table on the reforms necessary for Burundi to achieve its development.
According to Mrs. Gatoni, the director of the IFC said she was amazed at the richness of the discussions during those two days, the enthusiasm and commitment of all stakeholders to contribute its cornerstone to the country’s development.
Mrs. Mary Porter clarified to the Head of State that the IFC is ready to support the private sector which is, moreover, the pillar and center of development so that that sector can develop and execute projects which are beneficial for the country, in general.
She also admitted that the international financial corporation has already injected funds into some commercial banks so that small and medium-sized private enterprises can access credit easily.
Mrs. Gatoni also reported to the press that that company plans to intervene in the mining sector because one of the challenges that have been taken up by the private sector is the lack of energy that can allow industries to operate properly. The IFC also plans to act in the agricultural sector, particularly for the cultivation of rice and sugar, since that sector is a source of growth, given that those products are very likely to be exported, added the spokesperson for President of the Republic.
In order to support the private sector in its drive to contribute to the development of the country, the international financial company opened a representation in Burundi six months ago in order to closely support the private sector, she declared in affirming that the IFC is ready to support Burundi in its development projects.
For his part, the Head of State also thanked Mrs. Mary Porter for supporting the development of Burundi by supporting the private sector. He promised that the Burundian government will spare no effort to work in close collaboration with all partners who support Burundi towards an emerging Burundi in 2040 and developed in 2060.