In execution of its Annual Budgeted Work Plan for the 2021 financial year, and after a first successful friendly meeting at the beginning of the month with the Ambassadors and Economic Advisors of some European Union countries (including France, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany) ; Switzerland, and the United States of America, the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI) continued, this Friday 18 June 2021 at the Hotel Sultani in Kinshasa, its exchanges with the Economic Advisers of the Embassies of some African countries, in particular : Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Togo, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville, Angola as well as South Africa.<\/p>\n
The aim of these meetings is twofold: (i) to provide the Economic Advisors with useful and reliable information relating to the efforts currently being made by the DRC to improve its business environment, boost local entrepreneurship and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); and (ii) to build genuine synergy between the diplomatic missions, through their Economic Advisors, and ANAPI as part of the conclusion of a structural partnership to intensify the dynamics of economic and commercial exchanges between the DRC and the various target countries.<\/p>\n
At a time when countries around the world are vying with each other to attract and retain the private investment that will help sustain growth, create jobs and promote inclusive development, the Democratic Republic of Congo is also working to create an environment that is conducive to doing business by adopting regulations that help entrepreneurs set up businesses, hire staff and expand their activities. This process is one of the pillars of the Action Programme of the President of the Republic, as well as that of the Government, with the aim of encouraging the emergence of the private sector and establishing the country as an investment destination of choice in Africa.<\/p>\n
The ANAPI Managing Director, Anthony NKINZO KAMOLE, gave his guests an overview of the business environment in the DRC, going on at length about the many advances that the country has made in recent years in terms of reforms to improve the business climate, without however glossing over the constraints that, until now, have hindered better business conduct.<\/p>\n
The African diplomats also received from the ANAPI's Director General an overview of the reforms contained in the Roadmap recently validated by the Group of Experts on the Business Climate. This Roadmap, which will be examined by the Steering Committee at the political and decision-making level, before being forwarded to the Council of Ministers for examination and validation, is based on four strategic guidelines, namely: (i) simplification, dematerialisation and increased transparency of administrative procedures; (ii) simplification of taxation and promotion of access to credit; (iii) modernisation of commercial justice and improved resolution of commercial disputes; and (iv) improved consultation, communication and monitoring of reforms.<\/p>\n
These reforms are all part of a systemic and sustainable approach: the elimination of all obstacles to good business practice for all economic operators, synonymous with economic profitability for the private sector, improved employment levels, increased tax revenues and higher incomes. These are all essential elements in making the Congolese economy more attractive and more competitive.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the idea is to increase the number of meetings of this kind with the economic advisers of the diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, and to make this a privileged meeting point between ANAPI and all the business communities wishing to develop their economic presence in the DRC, for a transparent and win-win partnership.<\/p>\n