150 Chinese scout for deals in Kenya

Corporate News

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang with President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO | FILE 

By WAINAINA WAMBU

150 Chinese businessmen expected to jet into the country next month have set their eyes on sealing partnership deals with Kenyan traders in different sectors of the economy.

They will participate in a trade exhibition dubbed the ‘China trade week’ that is designed to give a platform for Kenyan entrepreneurs keen on sourcing Chinese products.

The exhibitors represent Chinese companies drawn from various industries, including building and construction, electronics, electric vehicles, plastic moulding equipment, green energy solutions, portable housing energy solutions and elevator systems.

The organisers of the fete, Middle East International Exhibition (MIE events), termed it a China-focused trade event expected to boost the deepening trade relationship between Kenya and China.

The MIE managing director David Wang said the China-Kenya economic cooperation and trade in various fields has gained momentum over the years.

‘‘It is the very reason why we are holding the China Trade in Nairobi,” he said.

“We strongly believe that this event will provide an opportunity for Kenyan entrepreneurs to grow strong business partnerships with Chinese companies.’’

The trade fair that will happen on the first three days of July, comes on the back of increased trade activities between the two countries, with Chinese construction companies taking the bulk of the country’s infrastructure developments, including the Sh327 billion standard gauge railway.

Director of MIE International Events, Gary Robinson, said the trade fair would help map out business hotspots in Kenya and create joint business ventures between members of the two countries.

He said it was highly likely in future for the companies to establish offices here in Kenya and even set up manufacturing plants as they were looking for new markets.

On the accusation that China does not produce high quality products, Mr Robinson said Chinese products were made ‘fit for purpose’ depending on customer orders.

“China has produced some of the highest quality products, for example Apple’s iPhone is manufactured in China,” he said.