NAIROBI, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- International exhibitions will be held in Kenya frequently to help showcase investment opportunities in President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four Agenda including manufacturing, food security, housing and universal health coverage, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Chris Kiptoo, the principal secretary in the ministry of industry, trade and cooperatives, said the government and private sector partners will be organizing regional and international exhibitions to sell Kenya as an ideal investment destination.
"Trade exhibitions play a pivotal role in promote the growth of investments in sectors that could help us realize goals set out in the Big Four Agenda and 2030 economic blueprint," said Kiptoo.
He spoke in Nairobi during the opening of 21st edition of Kenya International Trade Exhibition that attracted 150 exhibitors from 30 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe.
The two-day trade fair which is expected to attract 5,300 visitors will showcase products covering agriculture and manufacturing sectors, pharmaceutical, plastic and printing, hospitality, food and beverages industry.
Kiptoo said this year's edition of Kenya international trade exhibition was timely as the government rolls out a raft of incentives to attract investments in sectors that have a huge impact on the Big Four Agenda.
"We believe that private sector led initiatives will be key to realization of our growth agenda. The government has created a conducive environment for investors to play a meaningful role in advancing development," Kiptoo remarked.
He noted that creation of a commodities exchange platform, wholesale hubs and special economic zones, will enable the private sector fully exploit emerging investments opportunities in Kenya.
Kenya's wholesale and trade retail sector that accounts for 7.6 percent of the country's GDP, is expected to catalyze industrial growth while creating new jobs.
Kiptoo said Kenya is well positioned to tap into opportunities presented by international trade exhibitions to accelerate transition from subsistence to high tech manufacturing led economy.
