In a statement on Monday, June 10, Meteo Rwanda Director General Aimable Gahigi said that parts of the Bugarama plain are expected to record higher maximum temperatures compared to other parts of the country, with temperatures ranging between 30°C and 32°C for the months of June, July, and August.
Eastern Province, Eastern parts of Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyanza and Gisagara Districts, Kigali City will also experience warmer conditions with maximum temperature ranging between 28°C and 30°C. The parts of highland areas including the Volcanoes National Park are expected to record lower maximum temperature than other parts of the country and will vary between 22°C to 24°C.
On the other hand, the expected minimum temperature will range between 10°C and 18°C across the country, which is above the normal minimum temperature during the June, July and August season, which range between 7°C and 16°C.
The forecast shows that Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu and few parts of Rubavu and Gakenke districts will be cooler than the other parts of the country during the three-month period with the temperature varying between 10°C and 12°C. Additionally, parts of Bugarama plain, and most parts of Kirehe District and southern part of Kayonza District are expected to have higher minimum temperature ranging between 16°C and 18°C.
Rainfall
The forecast indicates that the country will experience normal rainfall during June and July across the country, and above-normal rainfall during August. The Met Department attributes this weather pattern to the neutral sea surface temperature conditions in the central tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans throughout the three-month period.
Rainfall ranging between 120-150 millimeters is expected over Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, most parts of Nyabihu and Musanze districts, the western parts of Ngororero District, and the northern parts of Burera and Karongi districts.
Rainfall ranging between 90-120 millimeters is expected in Nyamasheke District, parts of Nyamagabe, Ngororero, and Karongi districts, the northern parts of Rusizi, Gicumbi, Gakenke, and Rulindo districts, and the western parts of Ruhango and Muhanga districts.
Rainfall ranging between 60-90 millimeters is expected in Nyaruguru, Huye, Gisagara districts, most parts of Ruhango, Nyanza, Kamonyi, Rulindo, and Nyagatare districts, the northern parts of Gasabo District, and the western parts of Gatsibo District.
Additionally, rainfall ranging between 30-60 millimeters is expected over Kirehe, Ngoma, Kayonza, Bugesera, and Kicukiro districts, most parts of Gisagara, Nyarugenge, and Gatsibo districts, the eastern parts of Nyanza, Ruhango, and Kamonyi districts, and the northern parts of Gasabo and Rwamagana districts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has frequently highlighted Yiwu’s significance on international stages, aptly calling it the “World’s Capital of Small Commodities.” His visit to the market on September 20, 2023, underscored this sentiment as he encouraged Yiwu to forge ahead with its “small commodities, big market” philosophy.
Yiwu’s market is a powerhouse in China’s export sector, trading with over 230 countries and regions. Impressively, 65% of its trade volume is attributed to foreign transactions. Each year, over 560,000 overseas merchants flock to Yiwu, and more than 21,000 foreign merchants have set up permanent bases in the city. The market has drawn the attention of major multinational retail groups such as Walmart and Metro, alongside over 30 prominent domestic chain supermarkets.
The market’s prosperity is not confined to its physical presence. Yiwu has seamlessly integrated online and offline commerce, fostering a thriving e-commerce sector with over 600,000 entities. It is the only county-level city in China approved by the State Council to establish a national cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zone.
This digital innovation is complemented by the Yiwu Import Commodity Market and the Yiwu Import Commodity Incubation Zone, which have introduced 150,000 overseas products from over 100 countries, epitomizing the market’s slogan: “buying global goods and selling global goods.”
In September 2020, the State Council’s approval to expand the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone marked another milestone for Yiwu. The Jinyi area, one of the three expansion zones, is set to transform into a pivotal international small commodity free trade center, a hub for digital trade innovation, an inland logistics powerhouse, a manufacturing innovation showcase, and a crucial node for “Belt and Road” cooperation.
Yiwu’s story is one of continuous evolution and adaptation, making it a vital cog in the global trade machine and a beacon of China’s economic prowess.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between the two countries’ judiciaries encompasses various aspects, primarily focused on sharing knowledge and best practices. This initiative aims to expedite the hearing and determination of cases and improve the overall quality of judicial services. Additionally, the MoU will facilitate peer-to-peer capacity-building exercises, exchanges, study tours, and institutional consultations.
{{ Importance of Knowledge Sharing
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Speaking to a local news outlet, Harrison Mutabazi, President of the Rwanda Judicial Officers Association, emphasized the importance of sharing best practices within East African countries. He noted that this exchange is crucial for improving local jurisdictions’ access to justice.
“We are thinking about benchmarking; that is one of the things we are going to be working on. For example, countries have started using electronic case management systems. In Rwanda, we are using them, in Tanzania, they are using them, and in Kenya too. So, Uganda can learn from us,” Mutabazi stated.
As part of the agreement, Rwanda and Kenya will collaborate in areas of common interest, particularly in academic, jurisprudence, and intellectual exchanges, as well as information and communication technology (ICT).
Rwanda’s justice system has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by new policies for criminal justice and alternative dispute resolution approved by the cabinet in 2022. These changes aim to shape legal proceedings and the justice system positively.
The criminal justice policy focuses on increasing the use of non-custodial mechanisms for handling detainees and convicts. Tools like GPS bracelets are being introduced as alternatives to custodial detention. Community service and fines have also been implemented as substitutes for detention in some cases.
Furthermore, the policy aims to make Rwanda’s prison system more corrective and rehabilitative by ensuring prison officers are equipped with the necessary knowledge to positively impact inmates. The goal is for inmates to acquire skills, knowledge, and a better attitude by the time they leave correctional facilities.
On the other hand, the alternative dispute resolution policy prioritizes non-litigation mechanisms for resolving conflicts. The justice ministry continues to encourage the use of mediators (Abahuza), conciliators (Abunzi), and arbitrators, reducing the reliance on direct litigation.
The village originally consisted of 183 households and 496 residents, covering an area of 0.99 square kilometers. In October 2004, Huayuan Village merged with nine neighboring villages, expanding its area to 5 square kilometers.
Further expansion occurred in March 2017 when it merged with nine additional surrounding villages, bringing the total area to 12 square kilometers. Today, Huayuan Village boasts 5,246 farming households, a permanent population exceeding 65,000, and over 50,000 migrants.
The turnaround of Huayuan Village began over 40 years ago with a strong focus on Party building, industrial development, business prosperity, improved living standards, and enhanced governance.
These efforts have transformed the village into a model of thriving industries, livable ecology, rich rural culture, effective governance, and prosperous living standards.
Recognized as a beautiful village exemplar and a pioneer of common prosperity, Huayuan Village has received numerous accolades. On July 1, 2016, the Huayuan Village Party Committee was awarded the title of “National Advanced Grassroots Party Organization” by the Central Committee of the CPC.
The same year, it was named one of the “Top 10 International Famous Villages in China.” In December 2019, it was selected as Zhejiang Province’s only comprehensive pilot for rural revitalization reforms. By October 2020, it was included in the fourth batch of small city cultivation pilots in Zhejiang Province, marking the birth of China’s first “village-level small city.”
Huayuan Village has also made significant strides in tourism. It is the first village in Zhejiang Province to independently create a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. It has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as one of the “Top 10 Excellent International Rural Tourism Destinations in China” and a “National Key Rural Tourism Village.”
Additionally, it is a 5A-level scenic town in Zhejiang Province. The village serves as a training base for village officials in China and an A-level observation site for new rural construction nationwide, earning titles such as “Number One Village in Zhejiang,” “The World’s Top Redwood Village,” and “A Role Model of China’s Rural Modernization.”
Economically, Huayuan Village is thriving. In 2023, it achieved an operating revenue of 72.5 billion yuan (over US$10 billion). The Huayuan Group contributed 42.7 billion yuan (roughly US$5.8 billion), while 3,035 private businesses generated 29.8 billion yuan (more than 4 billion USD). Villagers now enjoy an average annual income of 176,000 yuan (around 24,000 USD).
The village hosts the world’s largest vitamin D3 producer, the world’s widest copper plate manufacturer, a leading new wall material producer in China, a high-performance copper foil producer, and the province’s most intelligent and automated new building material enterprises. It also boasts the world’s largest redwood furniture market, China’s largest precious wood trading center, and the country’s largest village-level hospital, school, shopping mall, and Ferris wheel.
Huayuan Village’s journey from an impoverished mountain hamlet to a thriving, modern community is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and community spirit. It stands as a shining example of rural revitalization and a model for other villages to follow.
Awut Deng Achuil, South Sudan’s Minister of Education, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement HWPL peace education as a regular part of the curriculum in South Sudanese schools and the Minister and Vice Minister of Youth and Sports of South Sudan also promised active cooperation with HWPL through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The representatives from the Islamic Council, the Presbyterian Church, and the Archbishop of the Anglican Church also met with the HWPL delegation. They acknowledged that peace and harmony are values shared by their respective scriptures and agreed to participate in The World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices. They also pledged to host a HWPL Religious Peace Camp to foster a network of religious leaders dedicated to peace
This meeting was covered by the state media, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), highlighting President Kiir’s strong endorsement of the DPCW nationwide. This demonstrates South Sudan’s active participation in international efforts for world peace and the cessation of war.
The signing of the MOA with the Ministry of Education and the MOU with the Ministry of Youth and Sports marks the starting point for strengthening peace education not only in the field of education but also in youth sports and culture.
Awut Deng Achuil, South Sudan’s Minister of Education, expressed her optimism regarding the signing of the MOA, stating, “In South Sudan, sudden rainfall is seen as a sign of peace. With the beginning of peace between HWPL and South Sudan, rain falls as a blessing.
HWPL will constantly collaborate with the education department, religious leader, youth, and media to achieve substantive peace in South Sudan through the dissemination of peace culture and institutionalization of peace. In particular, they will strive to introduce HWPL Peace Education as a regular curriculum in all schools in South Sudan, and efforts will be made to train peace educators through the Peace Academy.
Maj Gen Ruvusha shared these insights on April 7, 2024, during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi at IFAK, a private secondary school belonging to the Salesian Congregation in Kimihurura, Kigali City.
He explained that on the second day of the liberation struggle, Maj Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema, who was leading the RPA, was killed, followed by other commanders in the subsequent days. This left the RPA in a precarious position, with the government of Habyarimana and his extremists believing they had won the war, as President Kagame, who could take over, was then abroad pursuing his studies.
Maj Gen Ruvusha detailed how President Kagame “immediately halted everything he was doing abroad and returned to the battlefield,” where he quickly changed the combat strategy. The situation was dire, and the government thought it had secured victory. Kagame’s priority was to revise the military strategy, withdrawing troops temporarily to regroup and plan anew.
“At that time, since the battle was becoming unfavorable and the government knew they were about to win, the priority was to change strategies. For the soldiers on the battlefield at that time, we had to retreat, for him to reorganize and plan new strategies,” he stated.
“Soldiers were hungry and exhausted because we had no ammunition, no guns without anyone to supply them. Besides, he gave orders to retreat from occupied areas so that we could rebuild anew,” added Maj Gen Ruvusha.
He said that the years 1990 and 1991 were times of rebuilding during which the government in power thought they had won the battle. However, despite appearing to be calm, there were actions they undertook, including liberating the Ruhengeri prison.
In 1992, negotiations began, and it seemed they were going well. However, Maj Gen Ruvusha noted that what showed Habyarimana’s side did not want peace accords and was preparing for genocide was the killing of Tutsis in areas like Kibirira and Bugesera in 1993.
He revealed that the reason the RPA resumed fighting, even though negotiations were ongoing, was not because they didn’t want negotiations, but rather to show the existing government that they did not want the killings to continue.
He said Habyarimana and his accomplices had previously planned the genocide and were merely waiting for a trigger, which they found on April 6, 1994, when the plane was shot down, and the genocide immediately began throughout the country.
Maj Gen Ruvusha emphasized that President Paul Kagame, who was leading the fight, asked the RPA soldiers under his command to pay any price necessary to stop the killings, regardless of the challenges they could face.
As they started the struggle to stop the genocide, Maj Gen Ruvusha said, they encountered various obstacles, although these did not prevent them from continuing because they had ‘a true and just cause to fight for’.
President Kagame sent troops to Kigali, but the goal was not to capture the city, rather to stop the killings. Additional troops were also sent across the country to stop the killings wherever they were happening.
“Among all those activities, there were challenges. Firstly, throughout the journey, from near the border spreading across the entire country, we had no helicopters to quickly transport soldiers to rescue people. We had no vehicles to move quickly to save people. The vehicles we had were our feet,” Maj Gen Ruvusha explained.
Another challenge was that the RPA forces were slightly over ten thousand, while the enemy forces had around fifty thousand. This was not an easy situation but Maj Gen Ruvusha highlighted that “where there is will, discipline, purpose, and truth, you can defeat even ten people without clear reason they are fighting for.”
During the fight, they were also searching for those who were being hunted and hiding to rescue them. In some places, they required extra time to ensure they did not leave anyone in the hands of the enemy, making the journey longer.
Maj Gen Ruvusha also decried the support of the United Nations to Interahamwe militia in fleeing and providing refuge in camps.
He praised the bravery of Rwandans, many of whom, despite being weak from fleeing and hiding, helped rescue others. Maj Gen Ruvusha also acknowledged those who, despite not being targeted, chose to protect those who were hunted and refrained from participating in the atrocities.
Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony at State House in Juba, South Sudan, on Friday, June 7, Nduva said strong economic integration would encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“Your Excellencies, in promoting peace and security, a secure East Africa is the foundation upon which we can build lasting prosperity,” the new SG stated amid concerns that the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) [threatens security in the Great Lakes region->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/amb-munyuza-warns-fdlr-poses-significant-security-threat-for-great-lakes-region].
Nduva took the oath of office during the 23rd Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Heads of State that was held virtually and chaired by Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Chairperson of the Summit and President of South Sudan.
Nduva, who comes from Kenya, is the first woman to become EAC’s Secretary General.
She disclosed that advanced social development would also be a priority for her with special attention being given to empowering women and youth who are the backbone of the society in the region.
The new SG will also prioritise infrastructure development in the region, stating that the sector will require innovative financing solutions and strengthened public-private partnerships (PPPs).
“To promote climate resilient growth, we will continue addressing the pressing challenges of climate change collectively as a region. This includes promoting green energy, sustainable agriculture, conservation efforts and resource mobilisation as a bloc,” she added.
She emphasized that improving coordination between various organs and institutions would be crucial for fulfilling the mandate.
The new SG also promised to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the Community.
Nduva replaces Peter Mutuku Mathuki who was recalled by Kenya in March 2024 and redeployed as the country’s Ambassador to Moscow.
Prior to her appointment as SG, Nduva served as the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
The initiative rolled out on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, makes the legalization process for public documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates faster, simpler, and digitized through the use of electronic Apostilles (e-Apostilles).
“Rwandan documents intended for use abroad will be processed digitally and accessible through the Irembo e-government platform [https://irembo.gov.rw->https://irembo.gov.rw]. Foreign documents apostilled abroad will be directly usable in Rwanda,” officials said, adding, “This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s efforts to deliver digital and citizen-centred public services.”
Additionally, the Irembo portal has expanded its services to include:
-Legalization of Power of Attorney for property transfer
-Issuance of diplomatic plate numbers
-Recommendation letters for Rwandans abroad for land-related services
-Issuance of Note-Verbale for Rwandan officials on official missions
Notably, the new e-Apostilles service is only available to members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The members are:
#
Country
1
Albania
2
Andorra
3
Antigua and Barbuda
4
Argentina
5
Armenia
6
Australia
7
Austria
8
Azerbaijan
9
Bahamas
10
Bahrain
11
Barbados
12
Belarus
13
Belgium
14
Belize
15
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
16
Bosnia and Herzegovina
17
Botswana
18
Brazil
19
Brunei Darussalam
20
Bulgaria
21
Burundi
22
Cabo Verde
23
Canada
24
Chile
25
China
26
Colombia
27
Cook Islands
28
Costa Rica
29
Croatia
30
Cyprus
31
Czech Republic
32
Denmark
33
Dominica
34
Dominican Republic
35
Ecuador
36
El Salvador
37
Estonia
38
Eswatini
39
Fiji
40
Finland
41
France
42
Georgia
43
Germany
44
Greece
45
Grenada
46
Guatemala
47
Guyana
48
Honduras
49
Hungary
50
Iceland
51
India
52
Indonesia
53
Ireland
54
Israel
55
Italy
56
Jamaica
57
Japan
58
Kazakhstan
59
Kosovo
60
Kyrgyzstan
61
Latvia
62
Lesotho
63
Liberia
64
Liechtenstein
65
Lithuania
66
Luxembourg
67
Malawi
68
Malta
69
Marshall Islands
70
Mauritius
71
Mexico
72
Monaco
73
Mongolia
74
Montenegro
75
Morocco
76
Namibia
77
Netherlands
78
New Zealand
79
Nicaragua
80
Niue
81
North Macedonia
82
Norway
83
Oman
84
Pakistan
85
Palau
86
Panama
87
Paraguay
88
Peru
89
Philippines
90
Poland
91
Portugal
92
Republic of Korea
93
Republic of Moldova
94
Romania
95
Russian Federation
96
Rwanda
97
Saint Kitts and Nevis
98
Saint Lucia
99
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
100
Samoa
101
San Marino
102
Sao Tome and Principe
103
Saudi Arabia
104
Senegal
105
Serbia
106
Seychelles
107
Singapore
108
Slovakia
109
Slovenia
110
South Africa
111
Spain
112
Suriname
113
Sweden
114
Switzerland
115
Tajikistan
116
Tonga
117
Trinidad and Tobago
118
Tunisia
119
Türkiye
120
Ukraine
121
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, while official opening the 11th symposium edition, said that the global landscape is marked by rapid and profound changes.
He added that the geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, technological advancements, and environmental challenges shape today’s reality with far-reaching implications for peace and security globally, regionally, and nationally. These challenges, he said, require strategies, operations, and collaborations.
“The global governance and multilateralism are at a crossroads. Across the globe, multilateralism appears to be in crisis. The very foundations of multilateralism—peace and security, human rights, and development—have been strongly shaken by individualistic, nationalism, and unilateralism tendencies. This exacerbates the decline of the current global order while destroying the very foundation of peace, security, and justice,” Minister Ugirashebuja said.
He added that Human Rights and other global values and aspirations are in jeopardy because of unilateral wars, whether open armed conflicts, trade wars, or cyberwarfare.
Available data shows that approximately 180 conflicts are currently taking place across the globe. These include interstate, intrastate, extra-systemic, non-state conflicts, and one-sided violence. At least 150 conflicts have been recorded each year, recently. In the Sub-Saharan Africa, there were at least 18 states (out of a total of 54) with active armed conflicts by 2021.
“The situation in the East African region is no better than the rest of the other affected parts of the world. Nine of the 22 states or territories were involved in active armed conflict in 2021, with five experiencing ongoing or sharp escalations in large-scale armed violence,” the Minister said.
The concept of peace and, to a large extent, of security, he observed, is not defined within the limits of the absence of violence. Almost all the armed conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa and East Africa, he added, were internationalized due to the involvement of external state actors or the transnational activities of armed groups and criminal networks.
The Minister emphasized that key questions should be posed to understand current global dynamics and how they affect Africa. Thus, issues such as ongoing geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, technological threats, and environmental challenges should be given due consideration in terms of strategic competition among the so-called super powers directly impacts Africa, resource, conflicts in key regions, digital age with both opportunities and risks, climate change and youth radicalization toward violent extremism.
In Africa where approximately 60% of the population is under 25 years old, he observed that understanding the factors driving young people toward extremist groups is crucial.
“Africa’s youth are its greatest asset. Empowering them through education, employment, and civic participation ensures a peaceful future. The critical role each of you plays in safeguarding peace and security on our continent… your dedication, expertise, and leadership are vital in navigating the complex and evolving global dynamics we face today,” Minister Ugirashebuja said.
The 12th intake of the Police Senior Command and Staff Course is attended by 34 students from Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, the host.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji, the Commandant of NPC, said that the symposium presents a significant opportunity for debate towards collective efforts to foster a safer, more peaceful world, and a more peaceful Africa in particular.
“As we navigate through an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, the need for comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure peace and security has never been more critical. Our discussions will explore various aspects of these issues from understanding today’s global peace and security trends, through Africa’s peace and security landscape, to proposed solutions to building a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Africa,” CP Mujiji said.
{{Panelists}}
During the two-day event, panelists will explore different topics under the theme: “Peace and Security in The Evolving Global Dynamics: Implications for Africa.”
Discussions on the first day focused on two key issues: Global Peace and Security Trends and Africa’s peace and security landscape: Issues and responses.
Panelists reflected on understanding peace and security, international peace and security normative frameworks, and Protection of Civilians in the context of peacekeeping operations; state of conflicts in Africa: Understanding complexities and dynamics; Impact of emerging threats on security systems and practices in Africa; Scope and limits of response mechanisms to security challenges in Africa: A focus on countering terrorism.
Jinhua comprises two districts, Wucheng and Jindong, four county-level cities, Lanxi, Dongyang, Yiwu, and Yongkang, and three counties, Pujiang, Wuyi, and Pan’an. In 2023, Jinhua’s regional GDP reached an impressive 601.13 billion yuan (more than 80 billion US$), a testament to its robust economic growth.
Renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, Jinhua is often referred to as “another hometown of Confucius and Mencius.” The city boasts a 10,000-year-old rice planting civilization and an institution history spanning more than 2,200 years.
Over the centuries, Jinhua has been a cradle for numerous notable figures. Ancient luminaries include writer Song Lian, strategist Zong Ze, Taoist Wong Tai Sin, doctor Zhu Danxi, and musician Li Yu.
In more recent times, the city has produced influential individuals like Chen Wangdao, the first Chinese translator of the Communist Manifesto, historian Wu Han, writer Feng Xuefeng, Chinese painting master Huang Binhong, newspaper publisher Shao Piaoping, musician Shi Guangnan, poet Ai Qing, and scientist Yan Jici. Since China’s reform and opening-up, 1.2 million Jinhua natives have ventured out for development, with over 30,000 high-level talents contributing to the global community.
Strategically located, Jinhua is a central transport hub, essential for connecting various parts of China. The city is the second largest information port in Zhejiang and a national logistics hub for production and trade. With 10 railways and 9 highways, Jinhua and Yiwu stations accommodate 462 high-speed trains daily, directly connecting to 21 provincial capitals. These developments aim to establish Jinhua as a national comprehensive transport hub.
The city’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its green landscapes and clean rivers, earning it the prestigious Dayu Golden Prize for water management. With a forest coverage rate of 61% and Class I drinking water quality, Jinhua is a haven for nature lovers, boasting five national scenic spots and one national 5A tourist area. Prominent attractions include the Double Dragon Cave, the Residence of Lord Shi of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, Hengdian World Studios, and Lanxi Zhuge Bagua Village.
Jinhua is also a powerhouse of industry and commerce, playing a pivotal role in Zhejiang’s private economy. The city is notable for its numerous market entities, with over 1.5 million registered businesses, ranking second in Zhejiang. Jinhua was the first prefecture-level city in the province to surpass one million privately or individually owned businesses.
The city hosts 86 markets with annual turnovers exceeding 100 million RMB (approximately 14 million US$) and four surpassing 10 billion RMB (around 1.4 billion US$). Yiwu China Commodity City, Yongkang China Science and Technology Hardware City, and Dongyang China Woodcarvings City are internationally recognized.
Jinhua’s industrial prowess includes 18-billion-yuan-level industrial clusters in sectors such as automotive, hardware, textiles, and medicine. Remarkably, two out of every three safety doors in China are produced in Jinhua, and one in every three TV dramas is filmed there. The city is also a leader in emerging economic models like cross-border e-commerce and influencer marketing, with its express delivery business consistently ranking first in China.
As a trailblazer in reform and opening-up, Jinhua has implemented over 50 national and provincial pilot reform programs. The Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Program, the only one of its kind in China, has set a precedent with its innovative “mart procurement” trade model.
Jinhua has also established several significant zones and clusters, including the Yiwu International Trade Comprehensive Reform Pilot Zone, the National Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone, the Jinyi New Area, the Hengdian Film and Television Cultural Industry Cluster, and the Zhejiang Free Trade Zone Jinyi Area.
The city’s three major opening-up channels—the Yiwu-Madrid Railway, the Yiwu-Ningbo-Zhoushan Channel, and cross-border e-commerce—connect Jinhua with 233 countries and regions. The city’s exports exceed 1 billion RMB (over 13 million US$) to 80 of these destinations, making Jinhua a significant player in international trade.
{{Partnership with Rwanda}}
On March 28, Jinhua signed a Sister Cities Agreement with Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province, marking the first such agreement between China and Rwanda and symbolizing a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun, Mr. Zhu Chonglie, Secretary of the Jinhua Municipal Committee of the CPC, Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, Executive Secretary of Rwanda’s Northern Province, and Claudien Nsengimana, Mayor of Musanze District.
Ambassador Wang reiterated the embassy’s support for promoting cooperation that benefits both peoples. Mr. Zhu Chonglie expressed Jinhua’s eagerness for better industrial collaboration, closer trade relations, and deeper cultural exchanges with Musanze. Mayor Nsengimana also highlighted that the agreement would enhance mutual understanding and build a brighter future for both cities.
On the same day, Dr. Sylvie Mucyo, Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, and Dr. Zhang Yanping, Vice President of Jinhua Polytechnic, signed a five-year agreement for an exchange program where 30 students from IPRC Musanze will study for two years in Rwanda and one year in China for an Advanced Diploma.
This initiative has already started, with 30 Rwandan students embarking on a year-long study program in China to delve into e-commerce and electrical automation vocational skills at Jinhua Polytechnic in Zhejiang Province.
This agreement follows a longstanding partnership between IPRC Musanze and Jinhua Polytechnic, spanning more than a decade. Notable achievements include the inauguration of the Rwanda Luban Workshop last November, which enhances technical and vocational education training (TVET) in Rwanda. The workshop features a laboratory equipped with new technologies, including robots, to train students.
So far, the partnership has recruited 210 students and conducted “Chinese language plus vocational skills” training for nearly 10,000 people, providing vital support for Chinese-funded enterprises in Rwanda and improving the employability of Rwandan youths. Both China and Rwanda attach great importance to TVET due to its role in human resource development and national transformation.
At the workshop launch, Ambassador Wang said the 10 years of collaboration between Rwanda Polytechnic and Jinhua Polytechnic “reflects the deep friendship between Chinese and Rwandan people, and more importantly, shows what we can achieve through working together.”
Since 2018, IPRC Musanze has graduated over 1,700 students and offers courses in irrigation and drainage technology, construction technology, highway engineering, e-commerce, and information technology. Student enrollment has grown from 171 in 2014 to over 1,800 currently.
{{Photos: Théophile Niyitegeka / Zhejiang, China }}
