Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published : September 16,2024
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has lauded China as a key and reliable partner in Rwanda’s development journey and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to deepening collaboration with China for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Amb. Nduhungirehe made these remarks during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at Kigali Convention Centre on September 12, 2024. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, drew diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Rwanda and China have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development. In recent years, this bond has grown through increased partnerships and political understanding.
Rwanda firmly upholds the One-China principle, while China has consistently supported Rwanda’s national unity and efforts to combat Genocide denial and hate speech.
China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.
Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), is one of many infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions. The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.
Rwanda’s cooperation with China is further strengthened through platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical, and Trade Committee (JETTCO).
China is also engaged in key sectors such as agriculture, education, ICT, and infrastructure, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. A prime example is the Juncao mushroom cultivation program, which has benefitted 35,000 Rwandan farmers.
In light of this, Amb. Nduhungirehe expressed Rwanda’s deep appreciation for China’s contributions, stating, “Rwanda views China as an important and reliable partner that has significantly contributed to our socio-economic development. This collaboration has been particularly impactful in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, and education, aligning with our shared vision of mutual growth and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcomed growing relations between both countries underscoring that this year holds great significance.
He was referring to recent engagements where President Paul Kagame attended the 2024 Beijing Summit of Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and co-chaired the high-level meeting on state governance.
Kagame met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping and elevated bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an important milestone in bilateral relations.
Besides, more close friendship ties have been cemented. Notably, this year, the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, and the District of Musanze, became sister cities, the first ever pair of sister cities between the two countries.
“China-Rwanda relations are now at the best in history. Let’s work together to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries,” he stated.
Amb. Xuekun emphasized the need to work together to advance cooperation in various fields, and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership to create more benefits for the two peoples.
China’s development: A model of growth and global impact
Reflecting on China’s achievements over the past 75 years, Amb. Xuekun highlighted how the country has transformed from a society facing shortages of food and clothing into a global economic powerhouse under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, a 223-fold increase from 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9% over the past 70 years. The per capita GDP rose from $194 in 1980 to $12,700 in 2023, almost matching the global average.
Over the past 75 years, China also made significant strides in improving the quality of life for its citizens. About 100 million of the Chinese population was lifted out of poverty in the past decade. Absolute poverty has been eradicated in China.
The average life expectancy increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.6 years in 2023. With the world’s largest social security system in place, the Chinese people are enjoying a great sense of gain, happiness, and security.
According to Amb. Xuekun, China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.
In 2023, China ranked first in the global scale of renewable energy, with more than half of the world’s newly installed capacity.
For 9 consecutive years, China has produced and sold the most new-energy vehicles in the world, accounting for 60% of the world’s total in 2023.
China is now among the world’s top countries in terms of trade, manufacturing, commodity consumption and others. It has contributed more than 30% to world annual economic growth in the past decade, remaining as a robust engine of the world economy.
Among others, China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. The country also established diplomatic relations with 183 countries in the world.
“Looking back on the history in the past 75 years, we are deeply proud of what we have achieved. And we are determined to achieve more,” noted Amb. Xuekun, underscoring the country’s commitment to world peace and development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Source : IGIHE
