The Chinese Community in Rwanda and friends of China, over the weekend, celebrated the Chinese New Year at a function held in Kigali.The Chinese New Year falls on February 10, 2013 in the regular calendar and, according to the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, Shu Zhan, the day was celebrated earlier in Rwanda to enable members of the Chinese community travel back home for the holidays. China and Rwanda enjoy excellent bilateral relations according to the ambassador. He said the New Year will bring along increased bilateral partnerships and opportunities for both countries. China is also committed to removing tariffs for all Rwandan exports beginning in 2013, he added.In addition to being a trade partner, the Asian country has also supported various programmes in education, health and infrastructure. More than 1,000 Chinese live in Rwanda.Among the activities organised to mark the New Year were a photo competition dubbed, Rwanda in our eyes and Chinese cultural performances. Wang, who works with the Chinese embassy in Kigali told The New Times that the Chinese year celebration is a special event."It is a special day where we have holidays with our families and exchange gifts. It is as big as Christmas, it is the biggest spring festival of the year,” he said.Fabien Habimana, the Director of Science Unit at the Ministry of Education,  commended the Chinese for their relationship with Rwanda.