Kenyan traders will have four days to showcase their products and learn from their Chinese counterpartsThe Afripeak Expo, taking place at Sarit Centre, Westlands, Nairobi, brings together over 60 exhibitors from Kenya and ChinaThe four-day event will showcase products including household, gifts, textiles and apparel, printing and packaging
Nairobi, Kenya -The fashion and lifestyle industry is now emerging as a bridge for cultural exchange, economic growth, and innovative collaborations in a rapidly globalising world.
Kenyan and Chinese officials during the official opening of the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show and East African Small Commodities Fair at Sarit Expo Centre. Photo: Chinese Kenya Expo.
Source: UGC
The burgeoning partnership between countries in this sector exemplifies the potential for mutual growth, enriching both nations through shared expertise, market expansion, and cultural synergy.
Kenya-Chinese product expo
To create an avenue to connect local fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs to global standards, Afripeak Expo Kenya has organised a four-day expo to showcase Kenyan and Chinese products.
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Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on the sidelines of the event being held at Sarit Centre, Westlands, Gao Wei, Managing Director of the Afripeak Expo Kenya, said the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show and East African Small Commodities Fair brings together a diverse range of products and suppliers under one roof.
The products showcased at the event, which runs from July 10 to July 13, 2024, include household, gifts, textiles and apparel, printing and packaging, consumer electronics and lighting, baby and children’s toys, and beauty and personal care.
“We have adopted a new model of pre-exhibition and post-warehouse, which combines both local and international exhibitions,” said Gao.
The expo attracted 60 exhibitors, 40 local and 20 Chinese.
Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Erick Rutto termed the event necessary for the two countries.
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“We appreciate the opportunity for our members to showcase their products and services, strengthening the economic ties between our two countries and within the region,” Rutto said.How many Kenyan businesses featured at expo
Ruto said KNCCI has eight (8) members showcasing their products at the event.
According to Rutto, Kenya and China are committed to economic growth and development, which KNCCI has been leading.
He said KNCCI understands the importance of promoting trade and investment between the two countries.
“We believe that by fostering strong partnerships and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity,” he added.
Kenya Investment Authority Managing Director Florence Benta Were, for her part, said that Kenya is an essential participant in the Belt and Road Initiative and has progressively become the gateway for Chinese enterprises into Africa, effectively building a connectivity bridge between China and Africa.
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“China has become Kenya’s largest trading partner, the largest creditor, and the main source of contractors for Kenya’s infrastructure development. The robust Kenya-China Cooperation has seen unprecedented growth in the number of Chinese companies setting up shop in Kenya,” said Were.
More than 400 Chinese companies operate in Kenya, some with African headquarters in Nairobi.
Were noted that Kenya has a rich and sophisticated business ecosystem where foreign investors can find appropriate partners.
“The safety of your investment is guaranteed in Kenya. The country’s legal framework for investment (including the constitution) provides for adequate investor protection, backed by the Foreign Investment Protection Act,” said Were. How Chinese-Kenya expo will benefit traders
The expo aims to open doors to new markets and innovative designs, allowing Chinese manufacturers to diversify their product lines and reach a broader audience.
“Kenya, conversely, can leverage China’s advanced production capabilities to scale up its fashion industry, creating more job opportunities and stimulating local economies. The synergy between China’s manufacturing prowess and Kenya’s creative ingenuity can lead to producing high-quality, culturally rich fashion items that appeal to global consumers,” Gao further said.
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He reiterated that the fashion and lifestyle industry is a powerful medium for cultural exchange.
“Kenyan fashion, deeply rooted in its cultural traditions, often reflects its diverse communities’ vibrant colours, patterns, and stories. Similarly, China’s rich cultural history influences its fashion industry, creating a unique blend of ancient and modern trends,” Gao said.
We were further told that Kenya was continuously reviewing its investment environment to ensure that businesses maximise their return on investment and make the country desirable to more investors.
“To give you more confidence, Kenya has established the National Investment Council, headed by President William Ruto, where KenInvest sits as the Secretariat. This Council’s main role is to identify and eliminate obstacles to investment in the country,” Were told the Chinese investors.
Rutto revealed that KNCCI had opened an overseas office in the Hunan Province to facilitate trade between Kenya and China.
“This office has resulted in successful exports in the past year that we have supported exports of KSh 200 million to China spanning various sectors leathers and crafts, skincare and avocado oils, coffee, speciality tea and macadamia kernels,” said Rutto.
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Gao said that both China and Kenya have the opportunity to lead by example through their collaboration.
“China has made significant strides in adopting sustainable manufacturing practices, including eco-friendly materials and technologies that reduce waste and energy consumption. With its rich natural resources and traditional practices, Kenya offers unique, sustainable fashion solutions, such as using locally sourced materials and artisanal production methods,” he explained.
Zhu Li, Counselor of the Republic of China Embassy in Kenya, and KNNCI National Director Kennedy Onditi attended the event.
China-Kenya traditional medicine expo
This followed the China-Kenya Traditional Medicine Cooperation Exhibition 2024 edition held in Nairobi in June.
The two-day event attracted more than 1,000 participants, drawn from various sectors of the economy and across the globe.
It featured a diverse array of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) displays, including medicinal herbs.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Source link : https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/554740-boost-traders-kenya-seeks-strengthen-fashion-lifestyle-industry-china/
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Publish date : 2024-07-10 16:56:22
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