The Kenya-China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) has officially been launched with an aim of building long-lasting relationships with businesses and traders in both countries.
Speaking at a launch event in Nairobi, KCCC Chairman, Tim Chen said that the non-profit organisation will go a long way to accelerate bilateral trade between the two countries.
“The main objective of our organisation is to promote friendship and co-operation between the Chinese and Kenyan people including through the promotion of cultural exchanges between our two countries,” said Chen.
Chen added that the chamber will also facilitate business cooperation between the two countries, accelerate trade and encourage investment in Kenya to increase local employment
The launch comes at a time when trade between the two countries has been growing.
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data shows that Kenya’s imports from China stood at Sh208.9 billion in the six months to June from Sh157.87 billion recorded in a similar period of 2020.
Exports to the Asian nation, stood at Sh4billion in the eight months to August, according to the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency.
Currently, there are more than 400 Chinese businesses operating in Kenya, creating nearly 130,000 jobs for the local people.
These companies have played an important role in accelerating the advancement of the Big Four Agenda by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Chen urged Kenyan traders to register in the organisation in order to get grow their businesses and benefit from major international forums that will take their businesses global.
“We believe through strengthening mutual learning between China and Africa, this institution will further promote the friendship and deepen exchanges and cooperation,” said Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade Ambassador Johnson Weru.
The major objectives of Kenya-China Chamber of Commerce is to bolster solidarity, promote mutual understanding and cement people-to-people exchanges.
