The Chinese government has vowed to speed up the implementation
of the zero-tariff trade agreement with Kenya, even as the window closes for the
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a multilateral trade agreement that
allowed qualifying African nations duty-free access to US markets.
Speaking during a reception to celebrate the 76th
anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese
Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, said the two countries will work together to
ensure Kenyans start benefiting as soon as possible from the deal.
“In June, President Xi Jinping announced to expand
zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries with which
China maintains diplomatic ties, including Kenya. China will work with Kenya to
ensure the zero-tariff takes effect at an early date so our people can benefit
sooner from our cooperation,” she said.
The zero-tariff trade pact, once implemented, would allow all
goods manufactured or produced in Kenya to be exported to China without duty. It will open the Chinese market to African goods.
“China's commitment to reforms and opening up remains unwavering, with its door open even wider. Having the world's second-largest consumer market, China offers the greatest potential for investment and
consumption. Embracing China is embracing opportunities. Believing in China is believing
in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future. We
welcome all of you to China to share opportunities.”
In 2023, China was Kenya's largest source of imports, valued
at approximately Sh459 billion.
Kenya's total exports to China stood at Sh29 billion at the
time.
Kenya has been among the biggest beneficiaries of AGOA since its enactment in May 2000, with textiles and apparel being the main exports.
It expired on September 30 at
midnight.
In 2024, Kenya exported $470 million (Sh60.7 billion) worth
of apparel to the US.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) was
lobbying for a 16-year extension with an alternative of at
least a two-year transition window to allow for a trade deal between Kenya
and the US.
Guo hailed President William Ruto’s state visit to China, where, together with the Chinese president, they agreed to further strengthen bilateral
ties.
During the visit, at least 20 cooperation agreements witnessed
by the two leaders were signed, and implementation work has been ongoing behind
the scenes.
“In April this year, President William Ruto paid a
successful state visit to China, and the two heads of state agreed to elevate
our bilateral ties to a China-Kenya Community with a shared future for the new
era. Witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents and issued a joint
statement.
“They agreed to build the China-Kenya relationship into an inspiring example in developing the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, to lead development of China-Africa relations and the forging of solidarity and cooperation among global south countries.”
Speaking on behalf of the Government, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi appreciated the positive contribution that China made to the development of African countries, including Kenya.
He expressed willingness to work with China to firmly safeguard multilateralism and a fair and equitable international order in this complex and changing international situation.
The Ambassador praised the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
(Focac), which she said has taken China-Kenya relations to greater levels.
“This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation (Focac),” Guo said.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, 62 years ago, the
two nations have respected and supported each other, built our cooperation
under the Belt and Road Initiative, a hallmark of bilateral relations, she
added.
“We have steadily deepened our all-round strategic
cooperation and partnerships.”
