Graphics: A quick look at China-Rwanda economic cooperation

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Relations between China and Rwanda has developed soundly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, evidenced by broad cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, infrastructure and culture exchanges over the past four decades.

China remains committed to enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries by reinforcing exchanges in various fields.

Being a long-term and reliable cooperative partner of Rwanda in the process of national development, China has provided policy support to facilitate mutual cooperation and accelerate Rwanda's industrialization process.

For example, the two sides signed an economic and technological cooperation agreement worth 50 million yuan in December 2014. China also provided duty-free treatment on 97 percent goods coming from Rwanda in January 2015.

At present, China has become one of Rwanda's largest trading partners, the most important source of investment and development partners.

Rwanda has also provided a good business environment for Chinese enterprises and has become a gateway for Chinese enterprises to strengthen ties and cooperation with Eastern and Central Africa.

China has made contributions in developing the country’s infrastructure projects.

The roads built by Chinese companies in Rwanda are almost everywhere. It is reported that China Road and Bridge Corporation has built 26 projects in Rwanda with a total length of 790.8 kilometers since 1974, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the existing roads in Rwanda.

Another Chinese company, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has also contributed to the country's infrastructure construction. The first national stadium built by CCECC in Kigali in the 1980s hosts all the commemorative events and major competitions in Rwanda each year.

The landmark building Kigali Convention Center (the right side of the cover photo) was built by Beijing Construction Engineering Group, which combined exhibition center and office buildings.

In addition, China attached great importance to the development of Rwanda’s education system. China has provided scholarships for Rwanda College each year since 1976 in significant sectors like science and engineering, agronomy, construction, chemicals, and textiles.

In March 2007, the two sides signed an agreement on the construction of a Confucius Institute in Rwanda, which opened in June 2009. The institute has formulated the development goals of specialized Chinese teaching and explored a teaching model that combines Chinese training with vocational training.

China and Rwanda also enjoy colorful cultural cooperation with frequent mutual visits of art groups, heightening people-to-people exchanges.

Attracted by the friendly environment, a growing number of Rwandans come to China to receive professional training in various fields and conduct business.