Over four days, Kenyan traders will be showcasing their products and learning from their Chinese counterparts. The AfriPeak Expo, which will be held at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi’s West Rand, will attract over 60 exhibitors from Kenya and China. The four-day event will feature products including homeware, gifts, textiles, apparel, printing and packaging.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The fashion and lifestyle industry is emerging as a bridge for cultural exchange, economic growth and innovative collaboration in a rapidly globalizing world.
Kenyan and Chinese officials attend the official opening ceremony of the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show and East Africa Small Commodities Fair at the Sarit Expo Centre. Photo: China Kenya Expo.
Source: UGC
The rapid collaboration between our countries in this sector demonstrates the potential for mutual growth, enriching both countries through shared expertise, expanding markets and cultural synergies.
Kenya-China Product Exhibition
In an effort to create an avenue to connect local fashion and lifestyle entrepreneurs with global standards, AfriPeak Expo Kenya hosted a four-day expo showcasing Kenyan and Chinese products.
See also
Women’s Enterprise Fund job listings, salary ranges and application deadlines
Attention: Share your great story with our editors! Get in touch with us at news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on the sidelines of the event at the Sarit Centre, Westlands, Managing Director of Afripeak Expo Kenya, Gao Wei, said the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show and the East Africa Small Commodities Fair will bring together a diverse range of products and suppliers.
Products to be showcased at the event, which will run from July 10 to July 13, 2024, include home goods, gifts, textiles & apparel, printing & packaging, appliances & lighting, baby & kids toys, beauty & personal care, and more.
“We have adopted a new model of pre-exhibition and post-exhibition warehousing, combining both domestic and international exhibitions,” Gao said.
The expo attracted 60 exhibitors, 40 local and 20 Chinese.
Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Eric Rutto, said the event was vital for both countries.
See also
Father says he discovered his daughter had HELB after paying for four years of college in full
“We are pleased that our members had the opportunity to showcase their products and services and strengthen economic ties between our two countries and within the region,” Mr Rutto said.
The number of Kenyan companies exhibiting at the exhibition
Root said KNCCI has eight members who will be showcasing their products at the event.
According to Rutto, Kenya and China are committed to economic growth and development and the KNCCI is leading the way.
He said the 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.
Meanwhile, Kenya Investment Authority Managing Director Florence Benta Were said Kenya is an important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative and is gradually becoming a gateway for Chinese companies to enter Africa, effectively building a bridge between China and Africa.
See also
Kenyan teachers seek better conditions to secure high-paying jobs in the US
“China has become Kenya’s largest trading partner, largest creditor and a major supplier of contractors for Kenya’s infrastructure development. Strong cooperation between Kenya and China has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of Chinese companies based in Kenya,” Were said.
More than 400 Chinese companies operate in Kenya, some with their African headquarters in Nairobi.
It was noted that Kenya has a rich and sophisticated business ecosystem where foreign investors can find suitable partners.
“Investment security is guaranteed in Kenya. The country’s investment legal framework (including the Constitution) provides for adequate investor protection backed by the Foreign Investment Protection Act,” Were said.
China-Kenya Expo benefits traders
The expo aims to open the door to new markets and innovative designs, allowing Chinese manufacturers to diversify their product lines and reach a wider customer base.
“Conversely, Kenya can leverage China’s advanced production capabilities to expand its fashion industry, create more employment opportunities and stimulate the local economy. The synergy between China’s manufacturing power and Kenya’s creativity can produce high-quality, culturally rich fashion items that appeal to consumers globally,” Gao further added.
See also
William Ruto urges youths to apply for jobs on National Employment Agency portal
He reiterated that the fashion and lifestyle industry is a powerful medium for cultural exchange.
“Kenyan fashion is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and often reflects the vibrant colours, patterns and stories of its diverse communities. Similarly, China’s rich cultural history influences the fashion industry, creating a unique blend of ancient and modern trends,” Gao said.
Furthermore, I heard that Kenya is continually reviewing its investment environment to help companies maximize investment returns and make the country more attractive to more investors.
“To give you more confidence, Kenya has established a National Investment Council headed by President William Ruto with KenInvest serving as the secretariat. The primary role of the council is to identify and remove impediments to investment in the country,” Were told the Chinese investors.
Rutto revealed that KNCCI has opened an overseas office in Hunan province to promote trade between Kenya and China.
“In the past year, the office has assisted in the export of Kenyan shillings 200 million to China across a range of sectors including leather, crafts, skincare, avocado oil, coffee, speciality tea and macadamia nuts, leading to successful exports,” Rutto said.
See also
Blue Invest Africa 2024: William Ruto officially opens global investors conference
Gao said both China and Kenya have the opportunity to set an example through cooperation.
“China has made great strides in adopting sustainable manufacturing methods, such as eco-friendly materials and technologies that reduce waste and energy consumption. Kenya has abundant natural resources and traditional practices that offer unique sustainable fashion solutions, such as using locally sourced materials and artisanal production methods,” he explained.
Counsellor of the Republic of China Embassy in Kenya, Zhu Li, and KNNCI National Director, Kennedy Onditi, attended the event.
China-Kenya Traditional Medicine Expo
This follows the 2024 edition of the China-Kenya Traditional Medicine Cooperation Exhibition held in Nairobi in June.
The two-day event brought together over 1,000 participants from various sectors of the economy and from around the world.
There, we saw a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exhibits, including medicinal herbs.
Proofread by Jackson Otukho, Multimedia Journalist and Copy Editor, TUKO.co.ke
Source: TUKO.co.ke
