A number of Rwanda companies will, from November 5 to 10, participate in the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), a mega annual expo that takes place in Shanghai, China. Hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce working together with the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, and the International Trade Center, the expo is the world’s biggest import-oriented event and has become a major platform for international procurement and investment promotion. ALSO READ: Explainer: Why China elevated Rwanda to comprehensive strategic partner” Rwanda has consistently participated in the expo since its inauguration in 2018, increasing awareness of Rwandan products to the Chinese consumers, as well as exploring investment opportunities. According to the Rwandan embassy in China, the Rwandan companies that will participate in this year’s CIIE include those promoting coffee, chili, honey and hand crafts. “There will be new special (Rwandan) products in this year’s CIIE, including honey and six new brands of coffee,” an official at the embassy told The New Times. The Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi is also expected to travel to China to engage with Chinese investors, presenting investment opportunities in Rwanda. Statistics from the Rwandan embassy to China show that Rwanda's exports to China fetched $131.2 million, a significant increase from the $ 39 million they fetched in 2018. In terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the embassy says China has been Rwanda’s top source of foreign direct investment over the past five years. Rwanda’s ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, said he acknowledges the crucial role CIIE has played in strengthening trade ties with China, noting that it is an important initiative that reflects China's commitment to opening-up and participation in the global economy. ALSO READ: Rwanda, China sign agreement to boost development cooperation Since 2019, Rwanda has also been using creative marketing approaches of live streaming to attract e-commerce users in China, resulting in market opportunities for supplying specialty agricultural commodities such as high-quality chili, tea, and coffee. Such platforms, the embassy says, “provide a valuable space for businesses to connect, collaborate, and explore new markets, ultimately enhancing trade relations between China and African countries.”
