China and Rwanda celebrate years of economic and trade cooperation

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Rosemary Museminali, on Tuesday, appreciated China’s support to Rwanda in the areas of health, agriculture, education, capacity building and infrastructure development. Museminali, was speaking during a one day seminar, on China’s Development and China–Rwanda Cooperation, hosted by the Chinese embassy in Rwanda. “The Rwandan Government appreciates the support of the Government of China for the expansion of Kibungo Hospital, the construction and rehabilitation of the National Stadium, and the construction of useful roads in Kigali city,” said the minister. In a wide ranging speech that touched on China’s investment efforts in Rwanda, the minister also encouraged China’s stance on the global arena where she has stood in solidarity with poor African countries, solidarity which has also included support for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). “We are grateful for the successive governments of this Great Nation for the firm commitment to the continued friendship and cooperation with Africa,” said the minister. Trade between China and Rwanda has increased in 2007 by 70 percent, at USD 58.43 million compared to 2006 when it increased by 45.7 percent, it was revealed, during the function. During the event that also marked the 37th anniversary of China-Rwanda diplomatic ties, Museminali was flanked by the newly appointed, Health Minister, Dr.Richard Sezibera, and the Minister in the President’s Office in charge of Science and Technology, Prof. Romain Murenzi. China has emerged as an important global player since she opened up her economy 30 years ago, becoming an economic engine that contributes a quarter of the total global economic growth. Analysts assert that in view of the current financial crisis, China’s strong economic position could stave off a possible recession. Minister Museminali noted that the Chinese government has constantly been providing enormous support to the country since the early phase of the national reconstruction after the 1994 genocide. The Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Sun Shuzhong, in his speech said that China-Africa economic cooperation is of mutual benefit revealing that his country has pledged to double its aid to Africa by 2009. Rwanda has so far benefited from a total of USD 627.27 million in economic aid, which comprise 37 projects, with 29 equipment-related, three in technical cooperation, one regarding training and four survey projects. “We encourage credible and competitive Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Africa and to transfer applicable technology and managerial experience,” the ambassador said. He also reminded those present that it is because of reform and opening up that China witnessed great changes and development in the past 30 years, leading to the fruitful results of China-Rwanda cooperation. The ambassador explained that China’s two major investment projects in Rwanda, are the Star African Media company operating in the digital pay-TV business with a total investment of USD 29 million. This is the first time such a project has been introduced in Africa. The other major project is the A-link Science and Technology company, which has established a mobile phone assembly business, launched in June 2008, under the brand “Alira”. “We have every reason to believe that with reform and opening up, China will build on the present and register new achievements and by so doing, China-Rwanda relations will continue to grow despite various challenges,” he said. According to Shuzhong, by 2009 zero-tariff treatment will be granted to most goods that will be imported from the least developed African countries. Ends