China a sincere partner for African countries: Rwandan experts

KIGALI -- China remains a sincere partner for most of African countries, Rwandan experts told Xinhua in recent interviews.

China and Rwanda enjoy a long history of friendship and fruitful cooperation in various sectors such as business, health, education, tourism, infrastructure, said Ismael Buchanan, Dean of the School of Economics and Governance at the University of Rwanda.

"China is a sincere partner for most of African countries," said Buchanan, who recognized China's long-time support of Rwanda and Africa.

He observed that the relations between China and Rwanda, China and Africa are based on principles of mutual respect, improving people's livelihood and promoting development.

Eric Ndushabandi, director of Kigali-based Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, said China is becoming a more major source of investment in Africa.

The past 40 years has seen Chinese investment in Africa grow from scratch to a cumulative stock of 110 billion US dollars, Assistant Foreign Minister of China Chen Xiaodong said earlier this month at the opening ceremony of the Seventh China-Africa Think Tank Forum in Beijing.

"China is offering more credible alternative to the more traditional investments by Western countries," said Ndushabandi.

Ndushabandi suggested Africa can be a destination of China to export practical knowledge in various sectors such as mining and agriculture.

According to Ndushabandi, African countries weary of harsh conditions attached to loans from the IMF, the World Bank and Western donors can take advantage of China's support to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

China has participated in infrastructure construction in East Africa in key projects such as standard gauge railways, highways and power plants, which Ndushabandi believes can be a powerful tool in deepening regional integration.

On Rwanda, Ndushabandi said China offers a good opportunity for the country to benefit in various aspects, noting agriculture as one of major sectors that have greater potential for exporting to China.