Rwanda is leveraging the global stage of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai to significantly strengthen its trade, investment, and diplomatic ties with China and the wider Asian market.
The nation’s participation in the Expo running from November 5–10, 2025, highlights its commitment to a future driven by rules-based and mutually beneficial international commerce.
Rwanda’s presence at the CIIE showcases a dual focus: expanding its export reach for “Made in Rwanda” products while actively contributing to global economic policy discussions on trade and development.
Policy and Vision with Openness and Security
A key feature of Rwanda’s engagement was the participation in the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, held alongside the main expo. Michelle Umurungi, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), shared insightful remarks at a session focused on Open Trade and Security-based Development.
Umurungi effectively articulated Rwanda’s philosophy, emphasising that the pathway to sustainable and inclusive growth requires a balance between openness and national empowerment.
“To be open is to believe in the power of exchange of goods, ideas, and opportunity. To be secure is to ensure that such openness does not leave our nations vulnerable, but rather empowered,” Umurungi said.
She dismissed the notion that protectionism guarantees safety, arguing instead that true stability is found in robust partnerships.
“True security is not about building walls; it’s about building trust in governance, in systems, and in each other. And open trade is not merely about exports and imports; it is about confidence, predictability, and the belief that prosperity can be shared,” she stressed.
This perspective positions Rwanda as a thought leader in Africa, advocating for multilateralism and confidence in rules-based systems as the foundation for shared economic success.
Exporting ‘Made in Rwanda’
The core commercial objective of Rwanda’s delegation in Shanghai is the direct expansion of its export trade into the massive Chinese consumer market.
The Rwanda Pavilion at the expo serves as a vibrant display of the nation’s high-quality products, underscoring the growing strength of the ‘Made in Rwanda’ brand. Rwandan exporters are presenting a diverse range of goods, including:
Premium Commodities: Rwandan coffee and tea.
Speciality Products: Local honey.
Cultural Goods: Authentic handicrafts.
By actively participating in CIIE, Rwandan businesses are seizing the opportunity to connect directly with Chinese importers, distributors, and consumers, ultimately contributing to job creation and economic diversification back home. The expo participation is a deliberate step to solidify and expand Rwanda’s trade presence throughout Asia.