China-Kenya Business Forum successfully held in Nairobi

The China-Kenya Business Forum and the China-Kenya Zero Tariff Export Exhibition for Chinese Products held on the 23rd in Nairobi, Kenya, were successfully convened. This event was jointly hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, focusing on China’s zero tariff policy for 100% tariff lines of products to Africa. Over 350 representatives from the political and business communities of China and Kenya participated. Ren Hongbin, president of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, stated in his speech that starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero tariff measures for 53 African countries, including Kenya, which have established diplomatic relations with China, thereby providing greater opportunities for Africa through China’s large market. The event showcased Kenya’s zero tariff export products to China, highlighted the “early harvest” phase of the China-Kenya agreement, and deeply explored the potential for practical cooperation between the two countries, serving as a tangible step in implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of both nations. It is hoped that enterprises from both countries will seize this rare opportunity to strengthen communication and cooperation and achieve real results. Kenyan Vice President Rigathi Gachagua stated that China is one of the most dynamic economies in the world, with a consumer market of over 1.4 billion people. Agriculture is the foundation of Kenya’s economy, and the Chinese market offers enormous opportunities for Kenyan agricultural exports. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade organized 64 Chinese enterprises in sectors such as agriculture, trade, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and finance to visit Kenya, while 25 Kenyan companies in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing showcased their zero tariff export products to China. Several companies from both countries reached procurement agreements and cooperation intentions in areas including coffee, avocados, and minerals. During the forum, industry-specific business matchmaking sessions were held to build a practical cooperation platform for enterprises from both nations. In the thematic discussion segment, representatives from the political and business sectors of both countries engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics such as the implementation of zero tariff policies, logistics channel development, and agricultural cooperation. (Xinhua News Agency)