Chinese in Kigali mark 64 anniversary

The Chinese community living in Rwanda on Sunday celebrated the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The event that was held at the Chinese embassy attracted Rwandan government officials, members of diplomatic community accredited to Rwanda and the business community.Addressing the gathering, Shen Yongxiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda highlighted the tremendous achievements China has made since the new China was born on October 1, 1949.“After 64 years of hard work, China has realised remarkable achievements in its socialist construction. Its GDP has risen to the second place, which weighs 10.5 percent of the world’s economy,” he said, adding that the Asian economic giant has brought prosperity in the fields of technology, culture, education and health. Win-win“An opportunity of China becomes an opportunity for the world. China’s development directly benefits its 1.3 billion people. At same time, it creates investment opportunities and a vast market for other countries.”The ambassador also highlighted the bilateral relations between Rwanda and China, saying that the two countries continue to enjoy “strong mutual ties”.“The friendly relations between China and Rwanda have improved steadily since the establishment of our diplomatic relationship more than 40 years ago. Both sides have enjoyed deepened mutual political trust and expanded realistic cooperation.” “I have been deeply impressed by the diligence and intelligence of Rwandan people, even though I have spent here only two months. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has maintained an average GDP growth rate of 8 percent over the last 10 years, which is very rare in Africa, and even in the world.”He commended Rwanda for her efforts to reduce corruption, promoting investment climate and using foreign aid efficiently.China supports Rwanda in the areas of infrastructure development, agriculture, and education among others.In July last year, the Chinese government pledged to provide $20 billion in concessional loans to African countries within the next three years to assist in developing infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and small and medium-sized enterprises.This was during the 2012 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting held in Beijing-China.

National

Chinese in Kigali mark 64 anniversary