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How did the world’s second-largest economy perform in the past year? What are its major development goals and policy directions for 2025? In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, guest speakers shared insights on the nation’s commitment to achieving its growth target while advancing high-quality development.

STEADY PROGRESS AMID CHALLENGES

China’s GDP expanded by 5 percent last year to 134.9 trillion yuan (about 18.8 trillion U.S. dollars) and contributed about 30 percent to global economic growth, according to the government work report.

Huang Lianghao, an official with the Research Office of the State Council, described the achievements as “hard-won and extraordinary.”

“China promoted growth within a reasonable range and effectively improved the quality of its economy,” noted Huang, also a member of the drafting group for the government work report, highlighting a 3.4-percent reduction in carbon emissions per GDP unit.

“In 2024, China’s economy demonstrated resilience and the effectiveness of overall reform,” said national lawmaker Yuan Yuyu, chairman of Medprin Regenerative Medical Technologies Co., Ltd., a Guangzhou-based biotech firm.

Last year, the number of newly established business entities in China exceeded 20 million.

“The rapid development of enterprises vividly reflects the advancement of the country’s high-quality development and the steady growth of new quality productive forces,” noted Yuan.

STRATEGIC REFORMS FOR SUSTAINED GROWTH

As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), experts believe that the around-5-percent growth target proposed in the government work report balances what is needed and what is possible.

Huang emphasized the target’s alignment with employment stabilization, risk prevention, and the country’s development goals through 2035.

“It not only demonstrates the government’s precise grasp of the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability amid a complex economic environment, but also conveys a profound strategic consideration for medium- and long-term high-quality development,” said national political advisor Jin Li, vice president of Southern University of Science and Technology.

Huang expressed confidence in China’s economic fundamentals despite external pressures, citing positive factors such as burgeoning technological breakthroughs and expanding domestic demand.

Regarding employment, the report sets a goal of creating over 12 million new urban jobs and an around-5.5-percent surveyed urban unemployment rate. Huang underscored reforms in vocational training to address structural labor mismatches, while Jin stressed educational reforms to cultivate talent for emerging industries.

Yuan advocated for deeper industry-academia collaboration: “Universities hold talent resources while enterprises possess application scenarios. Bridging them will accelerate technological breakthroughs.”

PEOPLE-CENTERED POLICY ORIENTATION

More funds and resources will be used to serve the people and meet their needs, according to the government work report. China will raise the minimum basic old-age benefits for rural and non-working urban residents by 20 yuan and ensure an appropriate increase in the basic pension benefits for retirees. It will also continue to deepen the reform of public hospitals to better serve the public interest.

Highlighting healthcare commitments, Yuan said as health has become increasingly significant to the people, companies have the responsibility to provide more innovative products, drugs and medical apparatus and lower the costs to meet the people’s needs.

The government also plans 300 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds to support consumer goods trade-in programs.

“The concerns of the public are the key issues highlighted in the government work report. It proposes various measures to benefit the people and enhance their well-being,” said Huang.

Xinhua

This innovative service is now available to subscribers across both urban and rural areas, offering Rwandans a new era of high-quality voice communication.

The VoLTE service allows 4G users to make and receive high-definition (HD) voice calls over KTRN’s advanced 4G Network. Unlike internet-based applications like WhatsApp or Skype, VoLTE works directly through a 4G-enabled smartphone without requiring additional apps.

Users simply need a KTRN 4G SIM card and a compatible device that supports VoLTE to experience crystal-clear voice quality, faster call setup, and uninterrupted browsing experience during calls.

'At KTRN, we are constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The launch of VoLTE is a major milestone for Rwanda’s telecommunications industry,” said Daeheak AN (Aaron), KTRN’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Our goal is to provide advanced, reliable, and affordable communication solutions that enhance the user experience,' he added.

KTRN, which boasts the widest 4G coverage in Rwanda with more than 98% nationwide coverage, promises premium experiences with its VoLTE service.

Users can expect superior voice clarity, reduced background noise, and call setup that are three times faster than traditional 2G or 3G calls. The technology also allows seamless switching between voice and video calls, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted connection.

To celebrate this milestone, KTRN is offering three months of Free Unlimited VoLTE calls and SMS to all users with KTRN 4G SIM cards. The company has completed interconnection with all local telecom operators, enabling smooth communication between KTRN users and subscribers from other Networks operating in Rwanda. Additionally, KTRN has partnered with regional and international operators enabling seamless international Calls and SMS exchanges.

Beyond launching VoLTE, KTRN is focused on increasing the availability of compatible smartphones in Rwanda. According to Steven Ngabonziza, KTRN’s Chief Commercial Officer, the company is collaborating with leading smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Apple, Tecno, and Infinix, to ensure more devices support this service.

“We are committed to making VoLTE services and compatible devices more accessible and affordable through various partnerships,” he said.

The VoLTE service is available through KTRN retail partners-ISPs, which can be found at www.ktrn.rw/partners. Existing customers with 4G-enabled smartphones supporting VoLTE can access the service by dialing *900# or downloading the LTE RWA app from the App Store or Google Play.

With this launch, KTRN reinforces its commitment to driving Rwanda’s digital transformation by offering cutting-edge, reliable, and cost-effective communication solutions to its customers.

Daeheak AN (Aaron), KTRN’s Chief Executive Officer.

IGIHE

The uncrewed rocket, which launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, disintegrated mere minutes after takeoff, scattering debris over the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The 403-foot (123-metre) rocket had been expected to complete a full orbit of Earth before re-entering over the Indian Ocean. However, just like its predecessor in January, the spacecraft encountered a failure that led to what SpaceX describes as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.”

During the test, the Super Heavy booster successfully separated and returned to the launch site, where it was retrieved using SpaceX’s innovative mechanical arm system. However, soon after booster separation, the upper stage of Starship appeared to lose stability.

SpaceX’s livestream showed the vehicle beginning to spin uncontrollably before engineers lost contact. The company later confirmed that an “energetic event” in the aft section of the spacecraft led to the loss of several Raptor engines, resulting in a complete loss of attitude control and eventual mission failure.

SpaceX issued a statement acknowledging the mishap, saying, “Final contact with Starship came approximately nine minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. Our teams have initiated coordination with the FAA, air traffic control, and other safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses.”

The explosion had an immediate impact on aviation operations in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforced temporary flight restrictions, causing delays at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Greg Chin, Communications Director at MIA, confirmed that departures were briefly halted due to falling debris from the failed mission. The FAA later activated a “Debris Response Area,” but normal flight operations resumed shortly thereafter.

Despite the setback, SpaceX reassured that safety measures had been in place to protect marine life and the surrounding environment, stating that debris was expected to fall within designated areas with minimal ecological impact.

This marks the second consecutive failure for SpaceX’s Starship programme in two months. In January, a similar test flight ended in disaster when the spacecraft’s engines shut down unexpectedly, leading to an uncontrolled descent. The company has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and rectify the issues before future flights.

While this failure is a blow to SpaceX’s ambitions, the company remains determined to refine Starship for future deep-space missions, including lunar landings and eventual crewed flights to Mars. With continued regulatory approvals from the FAA, further test flights are expected as SpaceX works to enhance the reliability of its next-generation spacecraft.

SpaceX’s ambitious Starship programme suffered another major setback on Thursday, 6 March, when its prototype spacecraft exploded mid-flight during its eighth test mission.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The meeting, held at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, focused on regional security issues of mutual concern.

General Kainerugaba expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Sadek for his efforts in strengthening the ties between Uganda and the European Union through regular engagements.

Ambassador Sadek commended the UPDF for its pivotal role in promoting regional security and stability.

He assured General Kainerugaba of the EU’s continued support and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing peace initiatives in the region.

Gen. Kainerugaba having a light moment with His Excellency Jan Sadek on Thursday afternoon.

IGIHE

The advisory warns of traffic disruptions during the two-day event. 'On March 7, the marathon will kick off with an overnight run known as “The Double Double,” starting at 8:30 PM and continuing until morning. On March 8, the road will remain busy from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM as runners compete in various categories,' the advisory reads.

To minimize inconvenience, police are advising motorists to avoid the RN6 road and instead use the Muhanga-Karongi-Nyamasheke-Rusizi route during these hours. “We encourage the public to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid delays,” the statement stated.

Police officers will be deployed along the marathon route to direct traffic and assist road users. Authorities are calling for cooperation to ensure the safety of both participants and motorists. “Our priority is to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic while ensuring the marathon proceeds without incident,” police emphasized.

The Nyungwe Marathon is an annual event that has grown in popularity since its launch in 2012 with just 15 participants. Known for its simplicity, the marathon does not award trophies or track times. Instead, it focuses on the experience of running through the breathtaking landscapes of Nyungwe National Park.

Eric Pohlman, the marathon’s founder, highlighted the event’s unique spirit. “Every year, more people join us after hearing how memorable it is to run between Nyungwe’s tall green trees and beneath its true blue sky,” he said.

This year’s marathon features a variety of categories to accommodate different levels of endurance. The most demanding event, “The Double Double,” spans 106 kilometers and is expected to take approximately 14 hours.

It begins at the West Gate (Kamembe side entrance) and ends 400 meters past the park’s western exit near the RDB visitor center.

The Full Marathon, covering 53 kilometers, starts at the East Gate (Kigali side entrance) and follows the same finish line. The Half Marathon covers 22 kilometers, beginning at the intersection with the road south to Burundi, while the Half Half Marathon is an 11-kilometer run starting near the Bird Lookout Platform.

Cycling enthusiasts are also included in the event. The Half Century Cycle, covering 53.5 kilometers, begins at the Kibati Entrance on the park’s east side. The Full Century Cycle, spanning 107 kilometers, starts and ends near the RDB visitor center on the western side of the park.

In addition to the races, the marathon offers an opportunity to engage with the local community. Participants are encouraged to meet local entrepreneurs who employ community members.

With police ensuring traffic management and the marathon team preparing for a smooth event, organizers are encouraging the public to plan accordingly and follow all traffic guidelines.

The Nyungwe Marathon is an annual event that has grown in popularity since its launch in 2012 with just 15 participants.

This year’s marathon features a variety of categories to accommodate different levels of endurance.

Cycling enthusiasts are also included in the event.

To minimize inconvenience, police are advising motorists to avoid the RN6 road.

IGIHE

Court heard that while studying for a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, Mugambe arranged for a young woman to work as her slave as part of a deal with the Ugandan deputy high commissioner.

She is accused of taking 'advantage of her status' and forcing the alleged victim to act as her maid and look after her children.

Becoming emotional, she took tissues to wipe her face and said: “I’m sorry but it’s too much, you can’t just take lies and we worked for our careers.'

Mugambe is accused of stopping the young Ugandan woman from holding down steady employment and taking “advantage of her status” over her.

The 49-year-old, who was studying for a PhD in law at Oxford University at the time, denies four charges against her. Mugambe, who is also a High Court judge in Uganda, is alleged to have forced her to work as her maid and provide childcare.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Mugambe’s defence barrister, Paul Raudnitz KC, asked her if she arranged the woman’s travel intending to exploit her in the UK.

The defendant replied: “I never exploited [the woman] in Uganda, why would I exploit her in the UK?” She then became emotional, and carried on speaking through tears.

Mugambe was then asked if the woman ever “worked under a threat of penalty or consequence from you”, to which she replied “no”.

When asked if she had ever agreed with others to “intimidate said the woman to stop her giving evidence” during the trial, she replied: “No, I would never do that.”

Earlier on Thursday, Mugambe told jurors she was emotional because she was in shock after she attended a police station voluntarily and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

The defendant acknowledged that when the police first came to her, made some 'misrepresentations’ having been asked if she had lied by Caroline Haughey KC, prosecuting.

Haughey said the 'misrepresentations’ were 'lies’ adding that they’re not flexible facts, they’re deliberate untruths.

The prosecution said Ms Mugambe’s explanation was that she had been “shielding people” was another lie, adding that “the person you were shielding was yourself.' Mugambe retorted that the prosecution’s claim was “not true”.

“My understanding was, if I said she’s not supposed to be here, it would get her in trouble,” the defendant told the court.

Mugambe denied conspiring to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law, facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, forcing someone to work, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.

Lydia Mugambe denied the accusations being put to her while giving evidence at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, March 7, 2025.

IGIHE

Makolo made these remarks during an interview with the German news outlet DW Africa, which focused on the recent capture of Brigadier General Jean Baptiste Gakwerere, a senior leader in the FDLR. This rebel group is composed primarily of individuals who participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Brig. Gen. Gakwerere, along with 13 other FDLR fighters, was handed over to Rwanda by the M23 rebel group on March 1, 2025, through the main border post (La Corniche) in Rubavu district.

Makolo described Gakwerere as a long-sought target for Rwanda. “One of the individuals handed over is a senior figure in the FDLR, believed to be in charge of intelligence. We have been pursuing him for a long time to bring him to justice for his crimes during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and for his continued criminal activities in the DRC,” she said.

She added, “This is a positive development for the security of Eastern DRC. The more FDLR fighters are captured and brought to Rwanda, the more peaceful the region becomes for both Congolese residents and Rwandans who do not want these threats near our border.”

Makolo indicated that these FDLR fighters were captured during clashes that saw the M23 seize control of Goma. Those without criminal records will be sent to a reintegration center, while those with pending charges will face legal proceedings.

The 13 FDLR fighters, along with many others still at large, are reportedly being used by the DRC government in its conflict against the M23 rebels in the eastern part of the country. Makolo reiterated that the DRC’s reliance on the FDLR stems from the weakness and incompetence of its military.

“Since 2001 and 2009, there have been multiple agreements aimed at addressing this issue. One of the reasons these individuals, who played a role in the Genocide, continue to operate freely in the DRC is because the Congolese government sees value in their combat capabilities,” she explained.

“These are hardened fighters who participated in the Genocide, have spent years waging war in the DRC, and continue to spread genocidal ideology,” she added.

Makolo was blunt in her assessment of the Congolese military. “The DRC has a weak, ineffective military plagued by corruption and mismanagement. It is a military that cannot deliver results,” she said.

She further claimed that these weaknesses have led to the integration of FDLR fighters into the Congolese army and the involvement of Burundian troops, SADC forces, local militias known as Wazalendo, and European mercenaries in the conflict.

Despite the DRC government’s efforts to reinforce its military capabilities, it continues to lose ground. The M23 currently controls large parts of North Kivu, including Goma. In South Kivu, the group holds the Bukavu area, and credible reports indicate that M23 forces are advancing toward the city of Uvira.

Makolo was blunt in her assessment of the Congolese military. “The DRC has a weak, ineffective military plagued by corruption and mismanagement. It is a military that cannot deliver results.”

IGIHE

He highlighted their exceptional professionalism and noted that wherever they are deployed, people are left reassured and satisfied with their conduct.

He made these remarks following discussions with the Rwandan Army Chief of Staff for Land Forces, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, who visited the MINUSCA headquarters in the Central African Republic.

During his official visit to CAR, this week, Nyakarundi checked on Rwandan troops serving under the UN mission in Bossembélé, located in the Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture.

This visit followed an earlier trip on Wednesday, where he and the spokesperson for the Rwandan Defence Forces, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, visited Rwandan troops stationed in Bria under the same mission.

Lt. Gen. Nyone commended Rwanda’s significant contribution to the UN mission, acknowledging the presence of both UN peacekeeping forces and bilateral forces operating under intergovernmental agreements.

“Rwandbat1 is based here in Bangui, ensuring the security of the capital. In military terms, Bangui is the center of gravity,” he said.

He emphasized the special role of these troops in protecting the Head of State, stating, “Beyond their general duties, they are entrusted with the security of the Head of State. Being selected for such a sensitive responsibility is a mark of distinction.”

He further elaborated on the responsibilities of Rwandbat2, which focuses on securing major supply routes into Bangui. “They are like the lifeblood of this mission. They perform excellently well. We faced some challenges in the past, but I believe significant progress has been made,” he noted.

Lieutenant General Nyone also highlighted the contributions of Rwandan forces in the northeastern regions and those operating a state-of-the-art hospital.

“The hospital provides comprehensive medical assistance not only to MINUSCA personnel but also to local civilians. As the Commander of the Forces, I am impressed by the work of the Rwandan troops,” he remarked.

He stressed that it is rare to find local residents complaining about Rwandan troops, attributing this to their professionalism and positive impact.

“Due to the trust they have earned and the excellent work they are doing, they have earned trust and respect. People want to see tangible results rather than hear unfounded stories. Their actions speak for themselves,” he added.

Nyone confirmed that the security situation in the Central African Republic is currently stable, particularly in Bangui and its surroundings, although there are still some security concerns in the western regions and border areas.

The Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in CAR, Lt. Gen. Humphrey Nyone, has praised the contribution of the RDF to the mission.

During his official visit to CAR, this week, Nyakarundi checked on Rwandan troops serving under the UN mission in Bossembélé, located in the Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture.

He stressed that it is rare to find local residents complaining about Rwandan troops, attributing this to their professionalism and positive impact.

IGIHE

The Rwandan delegation, led by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in collaboration with the Rwandan Embassy in Germany, featured 14 tour operators and travel agents. Their presence underscored Rwanda’s commitment to expanding its tourism sector and fostering new business opportunities.

RwandAir also played a key role in the event, promoting its expanding network of routes and services.

Speaking to IGIHE on the final day of the trade show, Hubertus Jung- Sales Manager at RwandAir, expressed satisfaction with the exhibition’s outcomes. He noted that visitors had the chance to explore Rwanda’s key destinations, including London and Brussels.

'We made a lot of new clients and friends at the RwandAir ITB counters. This was one of our most successful ITB experiences,' he said, adding that the airline is actively working on launching a new route to Frankfurt.

Similarly, Manzi Isibo, Reservations Manager at Wilderness Rwanda, emphasized the impact of Rwanda’s presence at ITB Berlin 2025.

'We’ve had many productive discussions with different stakeholders, secured deals, all in the name of growing the Rwanda brand as a top destination worldwide,' he noted.

Germany’s Federal Minister for Digitalization and Infrastructure, Dr. Volker Wissing, was among the distinguished visitors to Rwanda’s booth. He praised the country’s exceptional presentation.

'It’s a wonderful stand here at the ITB exhibition, and Rwanda is being presented at its best. I highly recommend discovering Rwanda—an amazing country with wonderful people and stunning nature,' he told IGIHE.

Having visited Rwanda multiple times, Dr. Wissing highlighted the nation’s strong infrastructure and economic growth, reinforcing its appeal as a tourist destination.

Harry Theoharis, former Minister for Tourism in the Cabinet of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and former Head of the Department of Revenue during the Greek government debt crisis, also visited Rwanda’s booth at ITB Berlin 2025.

Theoharis was received by RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irene Murerwa as he toured the Visit Rwanda stand on the last day of the trade show.

With breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife experiences, and a vibrant culture, Rwanda continues to establish itself as a must-visit destination. The country’s growing prominence at events like ITB Berlin underscores its potential to attract more international visitors and further boost its tourism industry in the years ahead.

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Karirima Aimable Ngarambe