Kenyans eye the Chinese market

The Mountain Journal 

A high-level symposium themed “Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities” was held at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, on Monday that brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to deepen trade and investment cooperation between Kenya and China.

 The high level discussions  was centered on strengthening bilateral trade ties and unlocking new economic opportunities under evolving policy frameworks

 The talk followed China’s consideration to scrap VAT on selected imports, and stakeholders welcomed the move as a positive step toward enhancing competitiveness of Kenyan exports in the Chinese market. However, participants emphasized the need to go further by advocating for the removal of import duties on key Kenyan products to fully realize the vision of zero-tariff trade.

Those who attended included Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Ms Guo Haiyan, Amb. Jane Makori,  the Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (Asia and Pacific), and KTDA Chairman Enos Njeru and officials  from the Tea Board of Kenya. 

Others were from the government agencies, private investors, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, coffee cooperatives.

The symposium also highlighted the importance of addressing the trade imbalance between the two countries. 

Delegates called for deliberate strategies to increase Kenyan exports—particularly in tea, coffee, horticulture, and value-added agricultural products—while encouraging Chinese investments in local manufacturing, agro-processing, and infrastructure development.

Participants underscored the need for improved market access for Kenyan goods into China, streamlined regulatory and customs procedures, enhanced quality standards and certification support for exporters, and capacity building for SMEs to participate effectively in international trade. 

Amb. Makori reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and creating an enabling environment for foreign investment.

The Chinese envoy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing China’s readiness to support Kenya’s economic transformation agenda through expanded trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.

The role of public-private partnerships was emphasized as critical in driving export growth and ensuring sustainability.

The forum further explored opportunities in digital trade, e-commerce platforms, and technology transfer, noting China’s advancement in these areas as a key avenue for collaboration. 

Stakeholders encouraged Kenyan enterprises to leverage Chinese e-commerce ecosystems to penetrate wider markets and enhance global competitiveness.

The symposium concluded with a shared commitment to continuous dialogue and actionable policy reforms aimed at achieving a more balanced and sustainable trade relationship. 

Participants expressed optimism that the “Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities” initiative will serve as a catalyst for deeper economic integration and long-term prosperity for both nations.