The University of Rwanda (UR), College of Business and Economics in line with the collaboration agreement with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to implement the World Trade Organisation Chairs Programme (WCP) Phase III in Rwanda organized an official launch event on 08/06/2023 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV).
The aim of the event is to increase the awareness of the WTO Chairs Programme project in Rwanda towards enhancing knowledge and understanding of the trading system among academics and policy makers.

The event was blended as it was held partially in person and partially online. Among participants who attended in person were the Director General of Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Trade and Industry, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda and other Stakeholders. Virtually, it was attended by : H.E Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Switzerland and Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations at Geneva, the Deputy Director General of WTO, H.E Ambassador Etienne OUDOT DE DAINVILLE, the Délégué permanent de la France auprès de l’OMC, H.E Ambassador, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the WTO and the Director of WTO Chairs Programme.

UR Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kayihura Muganga Didas

In his opening remarks, the UR Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kayihura Muganga Didas recalled the three pillars specified in the MoU between UR and WTO that is, Research, Curriculum Development and Community outreach. Highlighting research, he said, “The aim of research activities and formulated policy brief is to transform Rwanda into a hub of international trade”.

The WCP’s objective is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of the trading system among academics, citizens,and policy makers in Rwanda by stimulating teaching, research, and outreach activities in relation to international trade and trade cooperation in universities and research institutions.

Event photos