China pledges $25 million grant to Rwanda

President Kagame was yesterday received by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at his guest house in north China’s port city of Tianjin, where the two leaders held discussions on bilateral relations between Rwanda and China.Kagame is in China to attend the three-day World Economic Forum (WEF)’s sixth Annual Meeting of the New Champions (also known as the Summer Davos).At the meeting, both leaders pledged to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation, with China pledging an additional $25 million in grants and interest-free loans.In a clear example of commitment to bilateral cooperation, China committed to removing tariffs for all Rwandan exports beginning in 2013.Chinese Prime Minister encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Rwanda to seek common development projects with local businesses.Wen said China and Rwanda have witnessed sound and stable development of bilateral ties, as well as increasing friendship and mutual trust.“China encourages its companies to invest in Rwanda, transfer advanced technologies, help train professionals and develop new products and explore new markets,” the premier said.Kagame said China’s sincere assistance has supported Rwanda’s economic development and its efforts to improve people’s livelihood.“Rwanda wants to deepen its relationship with China, as well as strengthen the two countries’ coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues,” he noted.The Head of State added that Rwanda will also play an active role in the development of China-Africa relations.On the situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Chinese Prime Minister also expressed his support for a peaceful process in the region.China’s cooperation with Rwanda has continuously grown stronger and is likely to increase in the future as China continues to invest in areas that contribute to the economic growth and transformation of Rwanda.With over 200 million dollars invested in Rwanda and over 200 jobs created, the Chinese government currently supports Rwanda in infrastructure, health, agriculture, ICT and education sectors.The bilateral meeting was attended by Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, Francois Ngarambe, Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa and acting CEO of RDB, Clare Akamanzi.Kagame and Wen expressed their satisfaction with the current cooperation between the two nations. “The two leaders committed to ensuring that the current relationship remains one that is mutually beneficial for both the people of Rwanda and China,” Ambassador Ngarambe explained.In July this year, the Chinese government pledged to provide $20 billion in concessional loans to African countries within the next three years to assist in developing infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

National

China pledges $25 million grant to Rwanda