Chinese company to start leather goods manufacturing in Rwanda

Almaty. September 11. Silkroadnews – The Chinese company will begin production of leather goods in Rwanda, the All Africa news portal reported.
“Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huajian Group, a Chinese business and investment company specializing in shoe manufacturing”, the report said.
The publication says Huajian Group belongs to Zhang Huarong and specializes mainly in production of high and middle-class women’s footwear with three production bases, including one in Ethiopia. The signed agreement is a part of the company’s expansion plans in East Africa.
As a matter of fact, the agreement provides for the construction of Huajian Group factory for production of footwear, clothing, bags, as well as electronic equipment.
The company plans to invest more than $1 billion over the next 10 years and create more than 20,000 jobs.
Zhang Huarong expressed confidence in his future investments in Rwanda, since, in his view, the country’s development strategy is very similar to that of China.
“For the past three days, I have developed a feeling that Rwanda is much like any European country because there’s high efficient government with proper management. Rwanda’s development strategy is similar to China’s strategy in producing high end products and increasing exports. Politics is steady, the leadership of this Government is efficient,” the agency quoted him saying.
Zhang is interested in investing in the development of electronics and IT, creating jobs and encouraging the export of Made-in-Rwanda goods. He also plans to produce mobile phones, air conditioners and computers.
According to the RDB, the government has already allocated land in the special economic zone of Kigali and Zhang’s investments are expected to contribute to the diversification of exports, which is in line with the country’s vision.
Reportedly, in April, Zhang announced the plans to build an industrial factory and train about 200 Rwandans before the end of the year.