Yuan Jiajun (left), governor of Zhejiang province, meets with Rwandan President Paul Kagame (right) in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on Sept 7. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

East China's Zhejiang province and Rwanda agreed to deepen cooperation in the economy, agriculture, science and technology, and tourism, according to Yuan Jiajun, governor of Zhejiang, at a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Sept 7. 

The government delegation from Zhejiang province, led by Yuan, arrived in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on Sept 6. Yuan met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Sept 7 and expressed excitement at the potential for cooperation in a number of areas.

Yuan said Zhejiang will set up several cooperation platforms centering on digital economy, rural e-commerce, equipment manufacturing, modern agriculture, cultural tourism, infrastructure construction, and business environment.

The government delegation from Zhejiang province takes a group photo with representatives of Rwanda. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

President Paul Kagame spoke highly of the achievements Zhejiang has made in economic development and environmental protection, and expressed hope that both sides will continue to explore new cooperation opportunities under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. He also extended a welcome to Zhejiang enterprises looking to expand investment in the country's manufacturing industry and smart city construction.

During the visit, Yuan took part in the China (Zhejiang) - Rwanda Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Forum and made a keynote speech. He said that Zhejiang and Rwanda will strengthen cooperation in digital economy as they seek to create a more digital society and government.

Yuan Jiajun, governor of Zhejiang province, makes a keynote speech at the China (Zhejiang) - Rwanda Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Forum. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Yuan added that Zhejiang will support Rwanda’s digital transformation of traditional industries including textiles, clothes, chemical engineering, and equipment manufacturing. Both sides will strengthen cooperation in smart city construction, digital government, and social governance.

Seven cooperation projects were signed into effect at the forum focusing on cross-border e-commerce, construction of industrial parks, training of personnel, logistics and warehousing, and trading of agricultural products.