Mark Simmonds hosts business breakfast on investment in the DRC
Mark Simmonds meets businesses to talk about the challenges and opportunities of investing in the DRC, after the Government announces 8.5% growth in 2013.
Mark Simmonds, Minister for Africa
Mark Simmonds met a group of British and other businesses in Kinshasa this morning to discuss the challenges and opportunities of investing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This huge country has vast natural resources and is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, but has been marred by years of conflict and corruption.
The British Embassy, through both FCO and DfID staff, have been working hand in hand with the local government to foster peace and improve the business climate. And there are signs that things are improving. The DRC Prime Minister has announced that economic growth in 2013 reached 8.5% and the IMF predicts this will rise to 10.5% in 2014. British companies are already leading the way in areas such as telecoms and the extractive industries and Mark Simmonds MP met this morning to discuss what more the British government can do to help promote the UK prosperity agenda.
Foreign Office Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds said:
The DRC has abundant natural resources and is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, but has been hampered by a difficult business climate. UK companies are already leading the way in several sectors, but the untapped potential of the DRC is huge. The UK is working closely with the DRC government to improve the business environment and further our mutual economic goals.
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