The Chinese government is contributing to Rwanda's national efforts in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Rwandan Education Minister Eugene Mutimura said Thursday during the launching ceremony of an extension project of Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Musanze, in Musanze district, northern Rwanda.

The China-aided project at the value of 16 million US dollars will expand the current IPRC Musanze, whose infrastructure was also funded by China. The project covers about 7,600 square meters and includes functional buildings such as administration office, complex teaching building, student dormitory as well as other ancillary facilities. Upon completion, IPRC Musanze will have a capacity to enroll more than 4,000 students.

The launching ceremony is going to be a cornerstone of TVET training to Rwandan institutions, particularly IPRC Musanze, said Mutimura, adding that the extension project is a strong evidence of the strong bilateral cooperation between the governments of Rwanda and China.

He thanked the Chinese government for its continuing support to Rwanda and IPRC Musanze, adding that China is contributing toward Rwanda's national needs.

"TVET is one of those things that the government is investing in and we are very grateful that we are partnering with China in this effort," said James Gashumba, vice chancellor of Rwanda Polytechnic, which is made of eight IPRCs including IPRC Musanze.

The completion of the project will turn IPRC Musanze to be one of the best TVET institution in Rwanda, he said.

IPRC Musanze and its extension is "dignity" of Northern Province, and IPRC Musanze will bring dramatical changes in Rwanda's education sector and Northern Province's transformation, said provincial governor Jean-Marie Vianney Gatabazi.

As developing countries, both China and Rwanda share many similarities in development conditions and path, including prioritizing TVET areas, said Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Rao Hongwei.

The youth are the hope and future of Rwanda as well as China-Rwanda friendship, said Rao, noting that he wishes Rwandan students will cherish opportunities and work hard so as to acquire knowledge and skills, serving Rwanda and Rwandan people in the future.

A representative from the project's general contracting company, Chongqing International Construction Corporation, pledged to deliver the project on time with high quality.

Mutimura, Rao and other guests at the ceremony also laid the foundation for the project.