KIGALI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's regular participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) reflects a strong desire to maintain a long-term close connection with the Chinese market, an official said.
In a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of the ninth CIIE from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, China, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Muganza said that rather than viewing the expo as merely an exhibition, the government recognized that the event offers a platform to promote Rwanda as an investment destination.
This view is backed by the growth in bilateral trade between Rwanda and China from approximately 300 million U.S. dollars in 2019 to 849 million in 2025, according to RDB data. Meanwhile, Rwanda's exports to China have also seen a significant surge from approximately 35 million dollars in 2019 to 227 million in 2025.
Calling China one of Rwanda's most important economic and trading partners, Muganza mentioned that for a country like Rwanda, the CIIE provides a vital opportunity for local companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to present their products directly to Chinese buyers, distributors, e-commerce platforms and consumers.
However, she added that Rwanda's participation goes beyond selling products during the six-day expo.
"We use the CIIE to build long-term commercial relationships, better understand developments in the Chinese market, promote Rwanda as an investment and tourism destination, and strengthen the broader economic partnership between Rwanda and China," she said.
Rwanda has participated in the CIIE since the first edition in 2018.
Muganza said the exhibition has also been instrumental in expanding investment cooperation.
Data from the RDB showed that registered investments by Chinese companies in Rwanda rose from 460 million dollars in 2024 to 548.5 million dollars in 2025. Chinese companies in Rwanda are increasingly active in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, energy and real estate.
Muganza said that while the achievements cannot be attributed to the exhibition alone, the CIIE contributed by providing Rwanda with a major platform every year to promote local products, investment opportunities and tourism.
During this year's CIIE, Rwandan exhibitors will showcase some of the country's most competitive and distinctive products, including specialty coffee, premium tea, chili and chili products, macadamia nuts, and other agricultural and value-added Made-in-Rwanda products.
Other products with considerable potential include honey, avocado, dried fruits and nuts, as market access for additional Rwandan products continues to expand.
Muganza emphasized that the CIIE, an exhibition dedicated specifically to imports, "sends an important message that China is not only interested in exporting to the world, but is also actively creating opportunities" for companies from around the world to access the Chinese market.
Pointing to win-win cooperation, Muganza said the exhibition helps foreign companies gain access to the scale and opportunities of the Chinese market, while Chinese companies and consumers benefit from a wider range of international products.
On China's zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which came into force in May, Muganza said Rwanda considers the policy a very important development for Africa-China trade.
Muganza also noted that China's high-level opening up "sends an important and positive signal," creating opportunities not only for major multinational corporations, but also for producers and businesses from developing economies. ■