The Rwandan government appreciates China’s continued assistance and partnership in the country’s development in various sectors from infrastructure to health and education, a Rwandan minister has said.
Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of economic planning, made the remarks Wednesday evening at a ceremony marking official assumption of office of the new Chinese ambassador to Rwanda Rao Hongwei.
“We need to work together not only in fostering people-to-people exchange but also draw from China’s experience in industrial development to support the Made in Rwanda initiative,” Ndagijimana said.
“We are optimistic that you will be Rwanda’s advocate as we try to achieve these goals. I want to reiterate my commitment as well as that of my colleagues in government to work with you ambassador for our countries’ mutual benefits,” he added.
Rao said China and Rwanda need new ways to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.
Rwanda-China relations are at a fresh start after Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s visit to China, he noted, adding that he witnessed the strong and shared commitment of the two heads of state to further advance bilateral relations.
He added that the Chinese government attaches great importance to China-Rwanda relations and will encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Rwanda’s transportation, energy, mineral and tourism, support Rwanda’s construction of special economic zones and help “Made in Rwanda” by industrial capacity transfer.
“Through joint efforts with the Rwandan side, we will implement the important consensus reached by our state leaders, boost China-Rwanda mutual trust, facilitate all-round cooperation, and increase understanding and friendship between the two peoples,” he said.
Over the past 46 years of diplomatic ties, China has risen to become Rwanda’s biggest export market, the third largest source of imports and the number four trading partner, according to officials.
By 2016, China’s non-financial direct investment in Rwanda reached over 100 million U.S. dollars, covering digital television and garment manufacture. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh
