The Chinese community in Rwanda, on Tuesday, September 19, marked the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

China, officially the People's Republic of China, was founded on October 1, 1949, when Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong declared its creation. The announcement ended the costly full-scale civil war between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Nationalist Party, among other warlords.

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The vast country is the world&039;s second-most populous country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion. It has one-third of the world's population, 56 nationalities, and a vast territory, with remarkable regional differences and diversity.

In Rwanda, the celebrations of the anniversary were made on an early date, a common practice for a number of Chinese embassies around the world. Held at Marriott Hotel, in Kigali, the event was attended by Chinese officials including Wang Xuekun, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, as well as local officials and foreign diplomats based in Kigali.

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Glorious history

Amb. Wang said the gathering was meant to reflect on what China has gone through, what it stands for, and where it is leading to.

"Looking back, the People&039;s Republic of China has gone through a glorious history of 74 years. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, with the concerted efforts of Chinese people, and thanks to the friendly cooperation with our global partners, China achieved world-renowned development, and now is proudly on the path to national rejuvenation,” he said.

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He talked about the "miracles” China has experienced including rapid economic development and enduring social stability.

"This paves the way for China’s modernization after it achieved the first centenary goal of fully building a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” he noted.

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"China’s economy rose to about 18 trillion US dollars in 2022, ranking the second largest in the world. Against the global headwind, China registered a 5.5 percent growth rate in the first half of this year, one of the fastest growing economies, and meanwhile maintaining a low inflation rate. China maintains as the world&039;s largest trader of goods, its inward and outward investment remains vibrant.”

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Profound bonds

Talking about his country’s relations with Rwanda, he said the two countries have "profound bonds.”

He pointed out many aspects of the cooperation, for instance the economic one which he said is bringing tangible benefits.

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"Our bilateral trade is booming. More and more Chinese business are coming to Rwanda. When addressing the inauguration ceremony of a Chinese cement plant, His Excellency President Paul Kagame pointed out the importance of this cooperation,” he said.

"We can see so many projects across the country, be it roads, schools, or houses. The Nyabarongo Hydropower Plant II and the Musanze Polytechnic College are just two examples. The Masaka Hospital is under expansion. These projects are closely linked with people’s well-being and China is willing to play its part.”

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Manasseh Nshuti, the Minister of State in charge of the East African Community at the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation ministry, praised the two countries' relationship, saying it has blossomed into a multifaceted and enduring friendship.

"Notably, in 2021, we celebrated the remarkable milestone of our 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations,” the Minister said.

"This journey has led to cooperation that spans across various domains, from trade and investments to health, education, technology, infrastructure development and more.”

He also hinted at the economic relations between the two countries, noting that China’s investments in Rwanda are valued at over $1 billion.

In trade, the Minister said, China is one of Rwanda’s leading trading partners with a bilateral trade volume of exports to China estimated at $537 while imports stand at over $1 billion.

"We want to continue growing trade between our two through exploring more opportunities that our markets offer.”