Kenya is set to host more than 600 Chinese investors and businesses in June following successful launch of the fifth edition of China Trade Week (CTW) in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Announcing the expo dates during a media breakfast at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Mr David Wang, Chairman of MIE Groups, said this year’s edition will take place in two phases at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) between June 5, 2019 and June 12, 2019.
“As part of the biggest B2B trade show in Kenya organized by MIE Groups in collaboration with its local partner Global Exhibitions, CTW Kenya 2019 will organize for the first time parallel conference days to upgrade the format and create more added value for professional visitors,” said Mr Wang.
He said the expo will attract more than 600 exhibitors, and 3,000 visitors who will get the opportunity to network and create ties for bilateral trade between Kenya and China.
Phase one of the exhibition will involve businesses in; building material, construction, water and environmental treatment, furniture and interior, textiles, print, as well as packaging and plastics, while the second phase will include consumer goods, automobile, electrical, ICT, and agriculture.
The expo received backing from the CEO of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)- Nairobi Chapter Nemaisa Kiereini who said the event would be a perfect platform for the Kenyan private sector to initiate and enhance trade with China.
“We are very optimistic about the possibility of enhancing Chinese investment in Kenya and promoting the cooperation between business people in the two countries,” she said.
The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Coloho Mall, Stanbic Bank, Kenya Investment Authority, among other partners.
According to data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, imports from China between May 2017, and June 2018, constituted 22% of the total country’s imports, elevating China as Kenya’s largest trading partner.
A notable Chinese project in Kenya is the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which is now on the verge of linking Nairobi to Naivasha in its second phase.