The 137th Business Conference for Promoting the China Import and Export Fair commonly known as the Canton Fair, which will be held at Guangdong Province of China is set to provide Kenyan businesses with an opportunity to explore a worldwide market, attract investors, and foster strong bilateral ties between Kenya and China.
Speaking during the Canton Fair business conference at a hotel in Nairobi, Minister Counselor, Economic Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, Zhou Zhencheng affirmed that the government of China is committed to fostering trade and investment between China and Kenya.
Zhencheng stated that the trade fair serves as a platform for the compound fair to support Kenyan businesses in expanding their access to high-quality goods, technologies, and expertise, which will contribute to Kenya’s economic development and denaturalization goal.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to engage actively with experts, explore new business perspectives, leverage the compound fair and bridge to new opportunities to gather less stressful trade patterns, promote mutual growth, and build a bright future for economies of the two nations.
“China and Kenya share a deep and dynamic trade relationship with China being one of Kenya’s largest trading partners, the Canton fair offers Kenyan entrepreneurs an opportunity to engage directly with the leading Chinese manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators,” Zhencheng remarked.
He emphasized that by participating in the fair, businesses can gain firsthand insights into the latest industry trends, discover cutting-edge products, and enhance their competitive advantage in the global market.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEProBA), Floice Mukabana said in a speech delivered on her behalf by KEProBA’s Marketing Director, Samuel Were, that Chinese market offers significant opportunities for Kenyan agricultural products like tea, coffee, flowers, and agricultural produce.
“In return, Kenya provides China with access to high-quality goods and serves as a strategic gateway to East Africa due to its vibrant economy and favourable business environment, she stated noting that Kenya has witnessed notable success in recent years as a result of the partnership with China.
Mukabana said KEProBA strives to front Kenya as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists through joint brand initiatives through enhanced bilateral agreements that can reduce barriers and streamline market access for Kenyan exporters.
Kenya Investment Authority, General Manager, Investment Promotion and Business Development, Pius Rotich stated that Canton fair will enable Kenya to attract Chinese investors and give them opportunities to invest in Kenya to promote economic and technological growth.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Nairobi Chapter’s Vice Chairman Ronald Meru expressed the commitment of KNCCI to address the challenges of trade imbalances and competitiveness to ensure that they actively promote and enhance Kenya’s export capacity.
“At KNCCI, we firmly believe that economic diplomacy is the engine of sustainable trade growth; our strategic engagement in China through platforms like the Canton Fair has driven meaningful economic transformation,” he assured.
The Operation Director of China Foreign Trade Centre Group, Xu Jiansheng encouraged Kenyan businesses to participate in the Canton Fair because it will connect them to a worldwide market because the fair has accumulated a business turnover of more than 1.5 trillion U.S dollars and registered over 10 million overseas buyers.
Kenya Airways’ (KQ) Senior Country Manager- Kenya, Rehema Ibrahim, said the airline plans to offer a two-week schedule of flights from Kenya to China ensuring that participants of the Canton Fair have access to the event.
“Using your travel time and allowing you to book the event itself, we are committed to ensuring that you experience a smooth, efficient, and comfortable journey,” she stated.
The General Manager of China Information, and Culture Communication Kenya, Vincent Muruba said the organization prides itself on offering comprehensive services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for delegates.
“Through persistent effort and extensive promotion, the Canton Fair has become a household name among Kenyan businesses since it stands as a premier international exhibition offering unparalleled access to a diverse array of Chinese products and serving as an essential destination for procurement and business development,” he added.
By Clinton Ng’iela and Mark Muasa
