In line with the vision to promote Rwanda as a favorable investment destination for the Chinese, on the 9th September, Rwanda Embassy participated in the 19th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen City of Fujian Province. Xiamen is located at the South Eastern coast of China in Fujian Province.

The name Xiamen means the “gate of China” and there is no wonder that Xiamen was one of the early Economic Zones of China when China commenced its economic reforms and opening up in the early 1980s. The City is additionally, a tourist favorite with its beaches, beautiful scenery, the fresh air and the clean environment generally.

There is much to compare between Xiamen and Kigali City of Rwanda and indeed, between Fujian Province and many parts of Rwanda. While Xiamen is a gate to China, Kigali is the hub or inland gate into the Eastern and Central African region. From Kigali City in Rwanda, it takes less than two hours on average to visit any of the four neighboring countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and DRC.

In addition Kigali City's cleanliness, the country's security and abundance of requisite infrastructure has made Rwanda the favorite of tourists visiting the region. This plus the improved business environment is making Rwanda the "Xiamen" or the gateway into the Continent even if it is in the interior of Africa.

With the planned flights to the neighboring Guangzhou later this year by Rwanda Air, the Rwandan national airlines, we hope to see more visits and investments from Xiamen and Fujian Province in general to Rwanda.

-ENDS-