Senior govt officials explore how to improve efficiency

Permanent secretaries from all the ministries and directors general of public institutions are in a three-day training session aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in government systems and processes. Speaking at the opening of the training in Kigali, yesterday, Anastase Murekezi, the Minister for Public Service and Labour (Mifotra), said participants will train in strategic thinking, which would lead to optimum use of resources for steady and speedy growth. Given that the training brings together chief budget managers in different institutions, Mifotra also wants them to discuss resilient management, which would not be shaken by unanticipated circumstances. “We (government) have been doing a good job in fast tracking economic development. Bringing together senior officials (to discuss efficiency) will help us discuss ways to maintain the momentum.” The training is facilitated by the Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA) . Murekezi said: “Korea is a role model in making critical development strategies.” Speaking about the need to learn from this Asian Tiger, Celestin Kayitare, the Director General of the National Post Office, said: “We shall learn a lot from Korean leadership experts. Their country managed to reach their development goals due to a clear vision.” Hwang Soon-taik, the ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Rwanda, said the training will be interactive. “Korea is not here to teach Rwanda, we are just sharing experience. We would like to find out together how these leaders can help achieve Vision 2020.” He said he is optimistic that Rwanda will meet the set development targets, adding that his country is also highly populated, mountainous, with limited natural resources and went through a tragic history of conflict. “The most important similarity we share is the great will and initiative of both Korean and Rwandan leadership–to create a more prosperous country for our future generations,” he said. The Korean trainers will work alongside Rwandan experts. Murekezi said Cabinet ministers will attend similar training next month.