Kenya International Industrial Expo set to benefit local businesses

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 17 – The Kenya International Industrial Expo 2021 was Wednesday launched and is aimed at fostering a prosperous business relationship between Kenya and China.

The three-day expo, under the theme ‘Building a strong manufacturing sector amidst Covid-19’, will see the participation of 105 companies (90 companies from China and 15 from Kenya) as they build networks for future business partnerships.

The expo, organized by the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) in conjunction with Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited, will give businesses an avenue to showcase their businesses as well as promote the recovery of the economy that was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during the launch of the event, First Vice Chamber President of KNCCI, Erick Rutto said that the expo would be a good opportunity to build great business rapport between the two countries.

“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 said.

He further revealed that in 2020, Kenya exported goods worth USD 134.8 million to China and imported goods worth USD 3.29 billion, a disparity he said would be solved through the formation of partnerships with businesses in China.

“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.  The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes this expo as an important step towards closing the gap in this imbalance,” he added.

On his part, the Managing Director of Afripeak Expo Kenya, Gao Wei, said that the expo was a good opportunity for Kenya to benefit from technological training from businesses in China.

“This expo seeks to link the local industries to their Chinese counterparts, and hence advance technological transfer vital in boosting local production capability. It is also an opportunity for them to showcase their products and link up with potential overseas buyers.” Gao Wei said.

He further added that 50 internationally recognized manufacturers from a Chinese-based company, Shandong Export Commodities, would bring machinery and equipment, electrical and new energy products that Kenyans can emulate from at the expo.