NAIROBI, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) — Kenya is set to host the China-Africa Industrial Capacity Cooperation Exposition, which will be held next week in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
Guo Ce, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, told reporters on Thursday. He stated that the expo will be held from Dec. 13 to 16 at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Guo said China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in partnership with African Development Fund and Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) will provide space for investment growth in the country. This will occur during the Kenya to host China-Africa event.
“The expo will provide a platform for large and medium sized Chinese corporation looking for new opportunities in Africa, and in return participants will have an opportunity to network and form investors’ linkages,” said Guo.
He said Kenya has demonstrated potential for economic growth that will attract more investment opportunities in the country.
Guo said he was optimistic that the establishment of the new government by President Uhuru Kenyatta will usher in another five years of economic growth. This will improve investment environment and increase government work efficiency. These factors will attract more Chinese investors to come to the country.
The counselor mentioned how more Chinese companies in the country, part of the ongoing Kenya to host China-Africa initiatives, will create job opportunities for Kenyans. This will upgrade Kenya’s manufacturing level and pave way for realization of Uhuru Kenyatta’s Vision for governance.
He said already Twyford Ceramic Company in Kajiado County is a major employer. It is owned by a Chinese private enterprise and is the largest in East Africa Ceramic factory. The company has hired 1,500 local employees to work in the production of floor tiles.
Guo said China Wu Yi has also invested about 100 million dollars to set up Kenya Construction Industrialization Base.
He said next year, the base will have an annual capacity of producing 50,000 cubic meters of precast components. This is to meet the growing demand of buildings for Kenyan people.
He said the expo is a move by the Chinese government to open its market and promote international trade.
Guo said various countries will showcase their development achievements. He urged the Kenyan government, business communities and exhibitors to participate and explore the Chinese market.
KenInvest Managing Director Moses Ikiara called for Kenyan investors to use the opportunity to showcase their products at the Kenya to host China-Africa expo.
