Although James Kimonyo began serving as Rwandan ambassador to China in 2019, his history with China goes back to 1971 when the two countries established diplomatic ties.

James Kimonyo (Photo/haiwainet.cn)

According to the diplomat, when he was the governor of a province in his country, a Chinese medical team in his jurisdiction helped local people build a hospital and provided medical assistance for them. "That’s my first impression of China," Kimonyo said.

From then on, China's image as a good partner to Rwanda has been etched deeply in his mind. The Amahoro National Stadium built by China has become a popular recreation and entertainment venue for the Rwandan people. The Musanze Integrated Polytechnic Regional Colleague built by China has cultivated numerous technical personnel. In addition, Chinese companies have constructed most of Rwanda's national highways.

China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries; rather it helps countries according to their needs, the ambassador said.

Kimonyo is determined to further tap into potential for cooperation between the two countries. To him, Belt and Road construction is an area of focus for deepening bilateral cooperation, as it has connected people around the world, improved infrastructure, facilitated global trade, and realized win-win outcomes for all participants, including Rwanda.

The ambassador pointed out that more Chinese companies have explored investment opportunities in Rwanda since President Xi Jinping's state visit to the country in 2018.

Investment in Rwanda means access to a market of 140 million people, Kimonyo noted, adding that his country will open up further with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Meanwhile, the diplomat expressed optimism in bilateral cooperation in e-commerce. Rwanda was the first African country to join the Electronic World Trade Platform, an Alibaba-led initiative that aims to lower barriers to global trade for small and-medium-sized enterprises through e-commerce, which has boosted sales of Rwandan coffee to China, Kimonyo noted.

Kimonyo hopes that more Rwandan products will enter the Chinese market through e-commerce platforms, as he experienced China’s sincere wish to increase imports and Chinese consumers’ strong purchasing power at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.