Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
Published: June 24,2024
By Gerald Mbanda
Photo: @Gerald Mbanda
A seminar which took place in Kigali-Rwanda on Friday, called for China and African to strengthen partnership in the agricultural sector and embrace technology and innovation to increase yields and ensure food security for both the people of China and Africa. The seminar was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda Institute of International Affairs (RIIA), and the government of Rwanda through the ministry of agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the University of Rwanda.
The Rwandan Minister for agriculture Hon. IldephonseMusafiri, who presided over the seminar as the guest of honor, encouraged Chinese investors to think about investing in Rwanda because of the available opportunities. The minister called for policy coordination from both sides emphasizing the importance of food security to feed communities.
The Chinese vice minister for agriculture and rural affairs, Hon. Ma Youxiang through a video message pointed out that China and Africa consider food security and agricultural development as a priority. He emphasized the role of agricultural modernization to improve productivity and noted that there are various technical cooperation projects going and Chinese made equipment and technology have been put into use in Africa resulting into higher yields. Ma advocated for China and African countries working together to deepen China-Africa agricultural cooperation. The Chinese Vice minister Ma, noted that currently, China imports dried chilli from Rwanda and fresh Avocados in Kenya with the market remaining open.
The Chinese ambassador to Rwanda His Excellency Wang Xuekun said developing agriculture is essential to people’s lives and national growth. “Growing up in a rural area, I have witnessed the transformation of China’s first industry and the great energy it gives to the national economy,” said Wang. He also expressed his heartfelt desire to make a difference in the lives of majority African farmers so that they can live a good life. “I closely follow Rwanda and Africa’s agriculture development, wishing that I could really do something, for those who still till the land with simple tools. Many African countries have vast arable land, yet are still importing food. A lot of people are working in agriculture, but are still far from living a good life. In the past few years, we have been working with Rwandan and African friends to enhance personnel exchanges, conduct training programs, extend applicable technology, and facilitate trade of agriculture products. And that’s why agriculture is our theme today.”
Under the theme: “Practice and vision on China-Africa agricultural high-quality development: food security, improve added value and facilitate trade of agricultural products.” experts from China and African countriesrecommended among others, for China and African countries to work together by sharing best practices in order to overcome challenges in the agriculture sector and improve food security, the quality of life for the people and growing national economies.
Gerald Mbanda is a Researcher and publisher on China and Africa.
For comments or opinion write to us on info@africachinareview.com
