From 2 to 7 September, the Embassy of Rwanda to China participated in the 2021 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing. A state level, international and comprehensive platform specializing in the trade in services around the world. 

“Rwanda's ranking in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Report has significantly improved with robust structural changes and reforms to encourage private investment and strengthen the regulatory climate,” said Ambassador James Kimonyo. 

Kimonyo was speaking on 4 September at the Sixth Thematic Day Forum and China Africa Industrial Forum, a unique meeting focusing on Africa’s trade in services, providing a platform to communicate policies and cooperation opportunities between China and Africa in the service sector. 

Rwanda and China enjoy decades of warm and friendly relations, which are reflected in many areas of cooperation including investment, education, tourism and trade.

“Rwanda is currently ranked second in Africa and first in East Africa in ease of doing business.   Coupled with the tax incentives offered by the Rwandan government to encourage foreign direct investments, the tax regime, safety and security provide a conducive environment for Chinese investors,” the envoy noted. 

“Rwanda is happy to be part of this event and looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China. Increased trade in services will lead to growth of trade and enable more Rwandan products and African products in general to reach global markets especially the Chinese market,” he added. 

The envoy further noted that, Rwandan high-quality agricultural products, including coffee, tea and dried chili, have recently been allowed to enter into the Chinese market. Rwanda is ready to cooperate with Chinese investors to modernize the agricultural sector and expand production to meet the huge demand of the Chinese market.

Currently, Rwanda is preparing to participate in the upcoming second China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in September, following the successful participation in the inaugural event in 2019.  

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