PSF calls for more traders’ input in its operations

The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has launched campaigns to enlighten entrepreneurs and cooperatives on their potential role in the operations of the federation to simultaneously augment their contribution in the country’s development. PSF, among other tasks, acts as a voice for members of the private sector and stimulates the private-public partnership. However, this is restricted as many business people disregard their role in the federation’s operations. Part of the campaign activities included road-shows held in all the three districts of Kigali as business people took part in discussions with public servants on the hindrances they encounter. The campaign also entailed cooperatives showcasing their products including furniture, metallic products and foodstuffs among others. Speaking during the Gasabo District leg of the campaign held in Gisozi Sector, PSF president, Faustin Mbundu, commended cooperatives, saying that they would be basis for development of larger manufacturing entities in the country. “The spirit of cooperatives should be strengthened because, for instance, metal workshops act as support industries to develop bigger companies like car assembling. In the country, we can hardly attract big scale investors when we have nothing on ground,” he observed. He also pledged the federation’s intervention to address drawbacks affecting entrepreneurs and cooperatives through advocacy. Some of the problems raised included lack of affordable and durable raw materials, especially wood, most of which is sought from other countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Joseph Harerimana, a representative of Kalka & Partner Sarl, a company that deals in high-tech carpentry machinery decried lack of a sufficient market for its products. In his remarks, Gasabo mayor, Willy Ndizeye, commended the introduction of PSF offices at the grassroots level, observing that this would increase mobilisation of investors for better output. He further called for the establishment of a “TVET centre” to offer vocational training to the youth in the area, which already has established workshops. “The centre would be easier to develop here because there is already some infrastructure; and the students who graduate would help enhance efficiency in these workshops.” A memorandum of Understanding to enhance better working relations was also signed between the local branch of PSF and the Gasabo District authorities. emma.munyaneza@newtimes.co.rw

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PSF calls for more traders’ input in its operations