This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Published on September 11, 2019, Kenya has been working to increase its access to China's massive market, with a trade deficit that favors Beijing.
Between August 30 and September 3, a series of events were held in Beijing to promote Kenya's products, including the 2019 Beijing International Horticulture Exposition, where Kenya showcased its tourism, trade, and investment opportunities.
Principal Secretary for Trade Chris Kiptoo emphasized the importance of Kenya's good ties with China in increasing exports to Beijing, with an annual target of 20 percent.
'In 2018, Kenya exports to China increased by 10 percent. This year, we hope to make it 20 percent. Kenya Day provides a platform to showcase products such as horticulture, services, tourism, culture, sports, and manufactures,' said Dr. Kiptoo in Beijing.
The trade balance is heavily skewed in favor of China, with Kenya exporting $111.328 million worth of goods to China in 2018 and importing $3,708.3 million worth of goods.
Nairobi is currently prioritizing agro-processing and housing under President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four Agenda, and Dr. Kiptoo urged Chinese investors to consider investing in Kenya through joint ventures with local companies or public-private partnerships.
'Kenya is looking to increase foreign direct investment from China, especially in affordable high technology to support the realisation of President Kenyatta's action plan, particularly in manufacturing and low-cost housing,' Dr. Kiptoo said.
The Chief Administrative Secretary at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ababu Namwamba, also wooed Chinese tourists to visit Kenya.
