​Xi's visit to Rwanda helps boost economic ties,Rwandan president

The file photo shows a road build by China Road Bridge Cooperation in Rwanda. [Photo:Chinaplus]

Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to Rwanda is expected to boost bilateral ties and bring the relationship between China and the African country into a new era.

Ahead of president Xi's visit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame states in an interview that he is looking forward to Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country.

The president says he was impressed by China when visiting the country last year. 

"The sheer size of the population, the level of development, the management of such a big population and you develop it to that level is very impressive. Last time I visited China was last year in March. I was happy to be received by the President of China Xi Jinping, and we had very good discussions. In fact, I also at the time extended there an invitation to the president. So this time around we are very happy that he has responded positively to our invitation."

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, the two countries have continuously strengthened their political trust and consolidated the friendship between the two peoples.

Chinese officials say both sides have conducted extensive and deep cooperation in areas of infrastructure, agriculture, education and health care.

President Kagame notes that Rwanda-China ties have strengthened over the years. 

"In fact between China and Rwanda but also China and Africa, the quality of that relationship has been getting much better and stronger. So we hope in our interactions we can even further strengthen that."

Official data show China is Rwanda's largest trading partner, and it has provided much support for the country in its reconstruction and industrialization process.

Li Jianbo is general manager of the Rwanda office of China Road Bridge Cooperation, a company rooted in Rwanda for 43 years.

He notes that the company's first project in Rwanda was the 160-kilometer Kigali-Rusumo Road which was completed 40 years ago and is still in good condition and referred to as the "African Model Road".

The manager says he's happy working in Rwanda and he appreciates the long-term cooperation with local governments and communities.

"The Rwandan government and China Road Bridge Cooperation have strong mutual trust. Why could we stay in the country for so many years? One reason is that the quality of our project is excellent. Another reason is that we get along very well with local residents. We work together and have very good relationship. "

Li says that the China-proposed Road and Belt Initiative provides more opportunities for bilateral cooperation and infrastructure construction, and adds that he's optimistic about future businesses development in the country.