KIGALI - The mayor of Kigali City Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira has called on China to support the Rwandan capital in its transformation process into a modern city. Kirabo was speaking yesterday at a banquet hosted in honour of visiting Vice Mayor of Shenzhen city of China Zhuo Qinrui at Hotel Novotel, Umubano. "There are 97,000 plots earmarked for development and we hope that with your rich experience in the housing sector, you will support us in responding to its increasing demand here,” she said  Shenzhen city is known for having grown from a remote fishing village with a population of 5,000 people to a modern metropolis with the highest per capita income in China.

Kirabo said that there is need to create a strong bond between Rwanda and Chinese private sector.

She remarked that Rwanda had won international fame today due to its uniqueness in service delivery, good governance and provision of security. 
 She cited urban planning, waste management and real estate development as key areas Shenzhen would offer support to.

"We encourage a free market economy and Rwanda is a virgin country ready for investment,” she said Qinrui promised to explore all possible areas of cooperation between Shenzhen and the City of Kigali.

  "As a sign of strong commitment to strengthening our ties, we shall sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Kigali before we conclude our visit here,” Qinrui, who led a ten-member delegation of Chinese officials, said.

At a separate meeting with Qinrui, State Minister for Regional Cooperation Rosemary Museminari said that Rwanda would also exploit other opportunities in the tourism, mining, and trade sectors with Shenzhen.

Meanwhile, Qinrui yesterday visited Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and later left for Akagera National Park.  He also visited Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Kigali ICT Park.

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