From November 5th to 10th, 2024, Rwanda participated in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. This global event was organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China in partnership with the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the International Trade Center. The event served as a premier platform for international trade and investment promotion.

Since its establishment in 2018, the CIIE has become a hallmark of China's commitment to opening its market to global partners, fostering innovation, and facilitating cross-border trade and cooperation.

Officially opened by opened by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the expo was held under the theme "New Era, Shared Future". It highlighted the role of sustainable and high-quality growth in driving global economic integration. The expo attracted over 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions, showcasing a wide array of goods and services to potential buyers and investors.

Rwanda’s delegation to the expo was led by Hon. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, accompanied by Ambassador James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s envoy to China, and Ms. Juliana Kangeli Muganza, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board.

Speaking to the media, Minister Sebahizi emphasized the significance of the expo for Rwanda's export-oriented industries. “The China International Import Expo is a pivotal platform for Rwandan exporters to showcase their products to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. This initiative not only provides visibility for Rwandan products but also creates tangible opportunities to meet the growing demand in China,” he stated.

The Minister further noted that the CIIE aligns with Rwanda’s broader trade and investment strategy, which prioritizes value addition, market diversification, and leveraging international platforms to promote the Made in Rwanda brand.

“Rwandan businesses are leveraging platforms such as the CIIE to enhance market access and foster stronger trade partnerships. This underscores our commitment to ensuring that Rwandan products gain prominence in the global market, particularly in China, which presents a vast, ready demand,” he added.

Eleven Rwandan companies participated in this year’s expo, presenting high-quality products including specialty coffee, premium tea, organic honey, chili, and artisanal crafts. These products, which reflect Rwanda’s commitment to quality and sustainability, attracted the attention of Chinese consumers, businesses, and international buyers.

The CIIE has been instrumental in deepening trade ties between Rwanda and China, contributing to notable growth in Rwandan exports to China. Since the expo’s inception, Rwandan exporters have capitalized on opportunities to establish partnerships, secure long-term buyers, and attract Chinese investments into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and artisanal goods.

In addition to promoting Made in Rwanda products, the CIIE provided an excellent opportunity to showcase Rwanda's vast investment opportunities and world-class tourist attractions. The Rwandan delegation highlighted the country’s conducive business environment, opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, light manufacturing, real estate, and ICT, as well as its breathtaking natural beauty, including attractions like the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

The 2024 CIIE marked yet another significant milestone in Rwanda’s promotional campaign aimed at strengthening economic ties with China. Building on this momentum, Rwanda is gearing up for participation in another major event, the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the expo will be held in Beijing at the end of November 2024.

Click here to view more photos of Rwanda's participation in 2024 CIIE 

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