{"id":87558,"date":"2024-10-18T09:33:16","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T09:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandas-five-year-development-plan-takes-centre-stage-during-senators-retreat"},"modified":"2024-10-18T10:00:34","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T10:00:34","slug":"rwandas-five-year-development-plan-takes-centre-stage-during-senators-retreat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/rwandas-five-year-development-plan-takes-centre-stage-during-senators-retreat","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda\u2019s five-year development plan takes centre stage during Senators\u2019 retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>A two-day retreat featuring discussions on how to best fulfil the Senate\u2019s mandate and its collaboration with other entities in Rwanda\u2019s governance, kicked off on Thursday, October 17, at parliamentary buildings in Kigali.<\/p>\n

Among key items on the agenda, there is better serving Rwandans and contributing to effective execution of the second National Strategy for Transformation \u2013 which runs from 2024 through 2029.<\/p>\n

The retreat is an occasion to reflect on our oath and the opportunity we were given so that we make a contribution to the development of the country<\/p>\n

Under the five-year programme, the government seeks to achieve targets including creating up to 1.25 million productive and decent jobs \u2013 or 250,000 new jobs annually, and doubling private investment from $2.2 billion in 2023 to $4.6 billion by 2029.<\/p>\n

Other targets include more than doubling annual export revenues, from $3.5 billion in 2023 to $7.3 billion by 2029, a move expected to be fuelled by non-traditional products, agro-processing, and mining focusing on value addition.<\/p>\n

Senators started a two-day retreat aimed at how to effectively fulfil the Senate\u2019s responsibilities and better serve Rwandans and contribute to national development , on Thursday, October 17.<\/p>\n

While opening the retreat, Senate President Franc\u0327ois-Xavier Kalinda said that it is held about three weeks after the fourth legislature commenced its duties \u2013 on September 26 and is intended to give senators time to exchange ideas on the Senate\u2019s duties and their implementation with the aim to foster Rwandans\u2019 unity, improving residents\u2019 welfare, and developing the country\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis retreat is an occasion to reflect on our oath and the opportunity we were given so that we make a contribution to the development of our country based on the vision contained in the fundamental principles the country committed itself to uphold, and the second National Strategy for Transformation [NST2] by considering the Senate\u2019s role in overseeing its implementation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

On Friday, October 18 \u2013 the last day of the retreat \u2013 a presentation on NST2 will be delivered by an official from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).<\/p>\n

Kalinda said lawmakers should prioritise better collaboration with other organs in the country and placing national interests above all.<\/p>\n

Shortly after the Senate President opened the retreat, former Senator Tito Rutaremara delivered a presentation on the origin of the Senate, and citizens\u2019 expectations from it.<\/p>\n

Currently, Rutaremara is the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF).<\/p>\n

The main reason the Senate was established [in 2003], he said, is to be the custodian of Rwanda\u2019s fundamental principles that are crucial to achieving the unity of Rwandans [after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi destroyed Rwandans\u2019 social fabric], national development, and a country where the rule of law is a reality.<\/p>\n

\u201cFundamental principles are the foundation of the government of unity,\u201d he said, observing that the Senate, as the custodian of those principles, is an important organ.<\/p>\n

He said that the Senate has, among other responsibilities, to support the achievement of welfare for all Rwandans \u2013 without any discrimination.<\/p>\n

\u201cSenators must reach out to residents, listen to them, know their problems, and endeavor to address them in a timely manner,\u201d he said, observing that that is what will make the citizenry understand the Senate and its essence.<\/p>\n

Former Senator Tito Rutaremara who is the Chairperson of Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF) was among people to share their experience during the retreat.<\/p>\n\r\n