China seeks to strengthen trade ties with Kenya

Posted on : Thursday , 18th August 2016

 Chinese ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa wants Kenya to commit itself more to the current mutual co-operation between the two countries.

In a forum held in Mombasa last Friday dubbed 'China-Africa Media and Think-Tank Symposium', Mr Xianfa reminded the country that bilateral trade volume between Kenya and China has hit $6 billion (Sh600 billion). This is twice as much as that of 2013.

"It would therefore suffice to say China has become the largest trading partner, investor and contractor of Kenya," Xianfa said. The forum was also attended by Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, representatives from different African countries and high-ranking officials from China's diplomatic community in the country.

Xianfa confirmed that this year, China will put up its first overseas research institute in the country, and that his country and Kenya have already agreed on a joint currency exchange programme. Addressing the same gathering, Mr Macharia said the projects being undertaken by the Chinese in Kenya will have a positive impact to the economy.