For many years, students from all over African continent could usually seek sponsorship from the western countries that are ably to equip them with both skills and knowledge lacking in their countries like in the United Kingdom, America, Canada. The name China was new in the name of the African students.
Thus, counting on the numerous scholarships that China offers to African students every year is no doubt that the move will yield good result not only in the capacity building but to impact China-Africa relations too.
While speaking at the Seeing-off Reception for Rwandan Students at Chinese Embassy in Kigali on Friday Hon. Rao Hongwei, said, China-Rwanda relations is entering in a new era.
Referring to H. E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, who recently paid a historic state visit to Rwanda from 22nd to 23rd last month, says, the two countries are ready to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, so as to bring closer the hearts of the two peoples and consolidate the social and public support for the future development.
During the visit, President Xi had in-depth exchanges of views with President Kagame and Rwandan friends from all sectors. The two Heads of State reconfirmed to strengthen political mutual trust, connect China-Rwanda development strategies, and promote bilateral exchanges in all areas. Both sides signed 15 cooperative agreements, emphasizing in the Belt and Road Initiative, public health, human resources training, mining, law enforcement cooperation, among others.
“China is committed to enhance educational cooperation with Rwanda. We both believe education is of great importance in the national building as well as personal development. It plays a unique and critical role in deepening friendship and understanding between our two peoples,” he says.
That’s why the Chinese Government has kept on providing more scholarships to Rwandan students annually. China now is home to over 2,000 Rwandan students. The number of registered students in the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda is approaching 5,000.
Chinese Jinhua Polytechnic has opened two training centers at Integrated Polytechnic Regional College of Musanze.
Rwanda is most welcome to board the express train of China’s economy and share the fruits from China’s reform, opening-up and development.
In China, Rwandan coffee, tea and handicrafts have been sold through the internet. Rwandan tourism information can be easily acquired by ordinary citizens. More Chinese investors plan to do business in Rwanda. All these open up a floodgate of opportunities and forge closer partnership between our two countries. You will personally experience these exciting changes in China.
“You are lucky to witness another great event in China-Africa relations soon. In about two weeks’ time, Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing. As a key platform for the collective dialogue and cooperation between China and African countries,” Bruce Higaniro, Chairman of Rwanda-China Alumni Organization
Ntukanyagwe Micomyiza Michelle Director of Policy, Research and Planning says that every nation looks to its young and daring to lead the way forward. Therefore, Rwanda a helping in education.
“A nation will prosper only when its young people thrive to their great tomorrow only when its younger generations have ideals, ability, and a strong sense of responsibility. You have in hands the future of Rwanda and the future of China-Rwanda relations.
“As the winners from hundreds of applicants this year, you already proved yourselves excellent. However, please do remember that it won’t be possible without the hard work of your teachers, loving care from your families and great support from Rwandan and Chinese governments. Yet, young people should have firm ideals and convictions, aim high, and have your feet on the ground. You should ride the waves of your day; and in the course of realizing the Rwandan Dream, fulfill your youthful dreams, and write a vivid chapter in your tireless endeavors to serve the interests of the Rwandan people,” he adds.
“I sincerely hope you will cherish your time in China, give full play to your vigor and intelligence to achieve great feats. With the knowledge and capability you will acquire during your studies in China, you can certainly contribute your share to building a better and stronger Rwanda and promoting the enduring ties between China and Rwanda as well,” he says.
Rwanda’s national strategy for transformation, broader Vision 2050 and inclusive prosperity require dedicated and patriotic professionals.
China is the world’s second largest economy, largest industrial producer, largest trader in goods, and largest holder of foreign exchange reserves. Over the past four decades, thanks to the policies of reform and opening up, China’s economy has been growing at an average annual rate of 9.5% and its foreign trade at 14.5%. In recent years, China’s contribution to global growth has been around 30%. China will strive for shared growth with partners.
The Express News
