A trader (L) converses with customers during the 5th Edition of China Trade Week at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, June 7, 2019. China Trade week is a series of successful Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) trade platforms across the Middle East and Africa covering multiple industries including building and construction materials, lighting, furniture and interior, technology, agriculture, textiles and auto parts. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)
NAIROBI, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The second phase of China Trade Week was launched in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Monday amid positive reception from local consumers keen to purchase high quality goods.
Guo Ce, the economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya was joined by executives from local private sector lobby groups during the launch of phase 2 of China Trade Week that will run from June 10 to 12.
Thousands of visitors from Kenya and neighboring countries are expected to attend the trade week that will showcase consumer goods, automobile parts, IT solutions and agricultural machinery.
"China Trade Week has been growing up year by year," said Guo, adding that China-Kenya economic cooperation has become more robust in the last four years since the launch of China Trade Week.
The first phase of the event that ran from June 5 to 7 was attended by more than 500 exhibitors who showcased construction materials, textiles, packaging materials, furniture and water treatment technologies.
Nemaisa Kiereini, chief executive officer of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that phase 2 of China Trade Week will also have a positive impact on the local economy.
"We welcome the hosting of China Trade Week in the country and believe it will benefit local consumers and entrepreneurs looking for partners who can facilitate importation of goods from China," said Kiereini.
Visitors attend the 5th Edition of China Trade Week at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, June 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)
She said that China Trade Week phase 2 will also feature workshops as well as business to business meetings, offering a platform to discuss innovative ways to stimulate flow of goods, capital, services and technology between two long-standing bilateral partners.
Joyce Kibet, business development adviser at East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture said the second phase of China Trade Week is expected to unleash mutual benefits to Chinese investors and local entrepreneurs.
"We believe this expo will create a win-win situation for both the Kenyan host and Chinese business community," said Kibet.
"Additionally, we foresee direct skill transfer and sustained trade and investment opportunities between our two countries," she added.