German MPs to assess budget support

NYARUGENGE - A delegation of twelve German Legislators led by their State Secretary for Development, Karim Kortmann, is in the country to review how Rwanda is effectively using the funds allocated to it through the national budget. Germany allocated Euro 10 million (about Frw7b) last year to support the budget. The delegation will be in the country for four days were they will meet several cabinet ministers and visit different projects funded by the German Government. Upon arrival, the legislators held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosemary Museminali and that of Local Government, Protais Musoni. Museminali told the legislators that the German funds have helped Rwanda make tremendous achievements in agriculture, energy and rural development among others. “The German funds have, at a big extent, helped in building firm institutions in the country,” said Museminari. Musoni also told the team how Rwanda has effectively succeeded in decentralization and also said that EDPRS is one of the ways of curbing poverty in the country. Kortmann applauded the Rwanda-Germany development cooperation and said that the relations were on a smooth path. “Our mission is partly looking at the ongoing partnership with Rwanda and assessing the effective use of funds allocated to Rwanda through the national budget,” said Kortmann. The team is today expected to meet with the Minister of Finance and Economic planning, James Musoni who will brief them on the priorities of the 2008 national budget, international development support and the EDPRS. On their third day in Rwanda, the team is expected to meet with President Paul Kagame. They will also hold discussions with Rwandan MPs, heads of Rwanda Revenue Authority and the Auditor General, the European Union, and international financial institutions in the country. Ends

National

German MPs to assess budget support