The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has opened its first overseas office in Changsha, China.
The new office aims to strengthen economic ties between Kenya and China, which has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. In 2021, China extended zero tariff treatment to 98% of Kenyan products entering China.
“This expansion marks a significant milestone in our KNCCI’s history and demonstrates our commitment to fostering stronger trade and investment between Kenya and China,” said KNCCI CEO Patrick Nyangweso at a flag-off breakfast ceremony Thursday at the Panafric Sarova Hotel in Nairobi.
The China office will promote collaboration, facilitate partnerships and showcase Kenyan products and services in China, Nyangweso said. He added that KNCCI plans to open more overseas locations in Guangdong, Sharjah and Ghana.
Fredrick Mukilya, chief representative for the new China office, said it will play a critical role in attracting investment, increasing visibility for Kenyan products and providing arbitration services.
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KNCCI President Erick Rutto said the China office will open up new opportunities for Kenyan businesses and contribute to economic growth.
The office will identify opportunities to export Kenyan products like meat and meat products to China’s large market.
Zhang Yijun, minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, congratulated KNCCI and reaffirmed China’s commitment to growing Kenya-China trade.
Caroline Gathoni, CEO of Laskia Ventures Ltd, encouraged businesses to capitalize on the new office given China’s demand for Kenyan products like sisal and leather.
KNCCI thanked sponsor DTB Bank for its China desk facilitating Kenya-China finance and trade. It also thanked China for providing office space to enhance cultural and tourism ties.
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