This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
Nairobi, Kenya, November 17, 2021 – Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) has been launched in Kenya, aiming to foster long-lasting relationships between businesses and traders in both countries.
The non-profit organization, led by Chairman Tim Chen, aims to accelerate bilateral trade between Kenya and China.
Speaking at the launch event in Nairobi, Chairman Tim Chen emphasized the importance of promoting friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and Kenyan people, including through cultural exchanges.
“Our main objective is to promote friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and Kenyan people, including through the promotion of cultural exchanges between our two countries. We aim to strengthen our communities, facilitate business cooperation between the two countries, accelerate trade, and encourage investment in Kenya to increase local employment,” said Mr. Chen.
The launch comes at a time when trade between the two countries has been growing. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Chinese exports to Kenya stood at $3.8 billion in 2018, up from $1.6 billion in 2007.
Today, there are over 400 Chinese businesses operating in Kenya, creating nearly 130,000 jobs for the local people. These companies have played an important role in accelerating the advancement of the Big Four Agenda, Kenya’s current development blueprint.
Chairman Tim Chen urged Kenyan traders to register with the organization to grow their businesses and benefit from major international forums that will take their businesses global.
“We would like to welcome all Kenyan businesses that do trade with China to join us, so that they can reap from this business member group. We are here to represent you, and also to support your enterprises grow,” he said.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade Ambassador Johnson Weru also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of strengthening mutual learning between China and Africa.
