Transforming Rwanda: Industrial Policy for the Next Decade

17th - 18th September 2018

Kigali Convention Centre

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The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), the International Growth Centre (IGC) and World Bank (WB) are jointly organising a conference on Industrial Policy in Kigali on 17th - 18th September, 2018 to discuss how Rwanda can bring existing strategies and policies together under an industrial policy that draws on domestic and international experiences, and is relevant for the next decade of growth.

Monday, 17th September, 2018

8:00 Coffee and Registration

9:00 Opening Session

Welcome note: Vincent Munyeshyaka, Hon.Minister, MINICOM

9:30-11:00 Session 1: Industrial policy for the next decade

What were the major strengths and weaknesses of industrial policy in the last decade?What should be the main priorities for industrial policy for the next decade?What instruments are likely to be effective in promoting industrial growth?What lessons can we learn from the international experience of rapidly growing countries?

Presenters: Jonas Munyurangabo, DG Planning and Monitoring, MINICOM John Page, “ Industrial Policy: Lessons from East Asia” Richard Newfarmer, ”An Industrial Policy for the 21^st Century: Ideas for Rwanda”
Chair: Vincent Munyeshyaka, Hon.Minister, MINICOM Discussant: Clare Akamanzi, CEO, Rwanda Development Board

11:00-11:15 Photo session and Coffee Break

11:15-12:30 Session 2: Investment promotion and tax Incentives

What more can be done to attract high productivity investment?How can Rwanda improve the cost-effectiveness of its tax incentives regime?
Presenters: Louise Kanyonga, RDB,“Medium-Term Strategy to Attract FDI” Victor Steenbergen, IGC, “Raising Cost-Effectiveness of Rwanda’s Tax Incentives”
Chair: Hon. Min Uzziel Ndagijimana (Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning)Discussant: Mr. Jacques Bougha-Hagbe, Resident Representative IMF

12:35-13:45 Lunch

14:00-15:30 Session 3: Common External Tariff (CET) and Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)

How can the CET be reformed to promote the competitiveness of Rwanda’s industry? What are the opportunities of the CFTA for Rwanda’s producers?
Presenters: Patience Mutesi, Country Director Trademark East Africa "The role of CET to support industrial development."
Andrew Mold, UNECA, “Using the CFTA to support exports”
Chair: Amina Rwakunda, Chief Economist, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Discussant: Stephen Ruzibiza , CEO, Private Sector Federation

15:30-15:45 Coffee Break

15:45-17:15 Session 4: Managing effective investment in infrastructure to promote industry

What are Rwanda’s long term infrastructure needs?How can Rwanda provide more reliable and cost-effective infrastructure and logistics networks?
Presenters: Winfred Ngangure, Head of Investment Promotion, RDB, “Investment in Infrastructure to enhance industry" Aghassi Mkrtchyan, World Bank, “Role of Public Investment in building Rwanda’s Infrastructure” Victor Steenbergen, World Bank, “Industrial policy to promote regional development"
Chair: Hon. Minister Claver Gatete, Ministry of InfrastructureDiscussant: Dion Thompson (COO DP World Logistics Limited, Kigali Logistics Platform)

17:15-18:00 Drinks (Invite Only)

Tuesday, 18th September, 2018

8:00-8:30 Coffee and Registration

9:00-10:15 Session 5: Credit policies to drive export and development

What policies are needed to encourage household savings?What policies are needed to stimulate more investment in exports and priority sectors?
Presenters: Eric Rutabana, BRD, “Recent Developments in the Export-Growth Fund" Linda Calabrese, ODI, “Financing For Manufacturing”
Chair: Thomas Kigabo, Chief Economist, National Bank of Rwanda Discussant: Thierry Kalisa, Senior Economist, MINECOFIN

10:15-10:30 Coffee Break

10:30-11:45 Session 6: Enhancing productivity across value chains - technology and backward linkages

Is Rwanda’s industrial policy helping to absorb technology and innovate ?What more can be done to improve the productivity of Rwanda ?
Presenters: Leonard Rugwabiza, Economic Advisor, MINECOFIN "The state of productivity in Rwanda: how to increase productivity across the value chains and improve the productivity spill overs to domestic firms." Sayinzoga Kampeta, “NIRDA’s Approach to Industrial Research and Development” John Spray, University of Cambridge, “Backward Linkages and Supplier Development Programmes”
Chair: Sarah Metcalf, Head, Department for International Development, RwandaDiscussant: Professor Mbonye, National Commission for Science & Technology

11:45-13:00 Session 7: Investment and export promotion: a sectoral perspective

How can mining, agriculture and manufacturing become leasing sectors for growth?What role can export promotion have in reshaping comparative advantage?
Presenters: Francis Gatare, CEO, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum & Gas Board ,“Potentials of the Mining Sector" George Kayonga, CEO, NAEB, “Main Priorities for Agricultural Exports” David Booth, ODI, "Kick-starting Manufacturing"
Chair: Yasser El-Gammal, World Bank Discussant: Ildephonse Musafiri, Deputy Head, SPU

13:00 Lunch

14:10-14:30 Closing session

Closing Panel: Ag. PS Jonas Munyurangabo (MINICOM) Dr. Richard Newfarmer (IGC)
Closing Statements: Vincent Munyeshyaka, Hon.Minister, MINICOM

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