This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
On November 17, 2021, the Kenya International Industrial Expo 2021 was launched in Nairobi, marking a significant step towards strengthening business ties between Kenya and China.
The expo, themed 'Building a strong manufacturing sector amidst Covid-19,' brings together 105 companies, including 90 from China and 15 from Kenya, to build networks for future business partnerships.
Organized by the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) in conjunction with Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited, the event provides a platform for businesses to showcase their products and promote economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
First Vice Chamber President of KNCCI, Erick Rutto, emphasized the expo's potential in building great business rapport between the two countries, saying, 'This platform would be useful as a medium to advance trade interests and build networks for future business partnerships, aligning well with the vision of shared prosperity.'
Rutto also highlighted the trade imbalance between Kenya and China, citing that in 2020, Kenya exported goods worth USD 134.8 million to China, while importing goods worth USD 3.29 billion.
He added, 'The trade is heavily skewed in favor of China. It is important to correct the existing trade imbalance to enable a fairer share of the benefits of trade.'
Managing Director of Afripeak Expo Kenya, Gao Wei, noted that the expo offers Kenya an opportunity to benefit from technological training from Chinese businesses, saying, 'This expo seeks to link the local industries to their Chinese counterparts, and hence advance technological transfer vital in boosting local production capability.'
