Cablegate: Rwanda: 2009 Business Facilitation Incentive Fund

VZCZCXYZ0004
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLGB #0876 3650726
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 300726Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY KIGALI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5813

UNCLAS KIGALI 000876

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/CBA - DENNIS WINSTEAD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV ETRD EAID RW
SUBJECT: RWANDA: 2009 BUSINESS FACILITATION INCENTIVE FUND
(BFIF) PROPOSAL

REF: STATE 128559

1. (U) Embassy Kigali submits the following two projects for
FY09 Business Facilitation Incentive Funds (BFIF).

2. (U) Project 1: Initiating information linkages and
collaboration between the Rwandan Small Business Support
Center and Commercial News/Think Global Incorporated.

-- Justification: The Rwandan Small Business Support Center
(SBSC) is supported by the Rwandan Ministry of Commerce and
by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO). It serves as the principal point of contact and
resource center for Rwandan small and medium enterprises
seeking international partners and/or new products and
technology to introduce to Rwanda. Think Global publishes
Commercial News USA with an aim to promote American export
products, and provide information on trade shows and American
companies interested in expanding international partnerships.
Post would like to explore ways to initiate direct contact
and information linkages between SBSC and the US Commercial
News/Think Global that would enhance delivery of information
about U.S. companies and products to potential Rwandan
partners.

-- Planning milestones: a) identification and tasking of
action officers in SBSC and Commercial News USA; b)
identification of mechanisms to enhance information and
communication exchange; c) travel by SBSC officers to meet
with Commercial News USA/Think Global Incorporated in August
2009 to establish personal contact and explore implementation
of enhanced information and communication exchange.

-- Performance Metrics: Expanded communication between
Rwandan and American companies seeking to work together to
introduce American products and technologies to Rwanda. New
exports of American products and services to Rwanda.

-- Estimated costs: USD 8-10,000 for transportation,
lodging, meals and incidentals for Rwandan SBSC team visiting
U.S.

3. (U) Project 2: U.S. Pavilion at the Kigali International
Trade Show.

-- Justification: The Kigali International Trade show held
in August/September showcases Rwandan and international
businesses engaged in Rwanda or seeking to enter the market.
In 2008, the show attracted over 100,000 visitors. A U.S.
pavilion would provide an opportunity for American companies
operating in East Africa, or interested in selling to the
East African Community (EAC) market, to promote their
products or services and establish new business contacts. A
U.S. pavilion would additionally demonstrate USG confidence
in the region and support for East African economic
integration.

-- Performance metrics: Showcase American products and
services to the EAC buyers. Initiate new business contacts.
Expand American exports to the region. Demonstrate support
for EAC economic integration.

-- Estimated costs: USD 5,000 including a 9 square meter
booth, decorations, internet, staff support and incidentals.

4. (U) Point of contact: Alex Sokoloff, Economic and
Commercial Officer. sokoloffaw@state.gov

SYMINGTON

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