Business community celebrates 60 years of China-Kenya collaboration

The Chinese business community in Kenya on Friday joined Kenyan businessmen in marking a momentous occasion as they celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The event, held in Kenya's capital Nairobi and convened by the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association and the Diamond Trust Bank, featured talks on Kenya's economic outlook and showcased the deep-rooted friendship and growing cooperation between the two nations. Speakers highlighted the fact a number of institutional frameworks have emerged to promote business and investment activities between Kenya and China.

Gao Wei, the chairman of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association, hailed the strong relationship between Kenya and China and echoed the values of independence, empowerment and unity as the main drivers of business collaboration between the two.

He further noted the Chinese community in Kenya shall continue to nurture economic and sociocultural relations for the mutual benefit of both countries' peoples and expressed commitment to enhancing ties on this front.

While giving an overview of Kenya's economic outlook during a panel discussion, Faith Atiti, Diamond Trust Bank's head of research, thanked Chinese businesses in Kenya for weathering the tough economic times witnessed in the region and globally in the past decade.

"The past decade or so has witnessed several financial shocks: The 2008 financial crisis, the European debt crisis, trade wars between world powers and the recent financial slowdown occasioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic."

She pointed out many Chinese businesses in the country remained operational during these crises and more Chinese businesses are setting up. This, she said, is a symbol Kenya's economic outlook is facing a revival and will make it through the tough times.

She added local businesses will continue to develop solutions that make it easy for Chinese businesses to invest in Kenya.

Gao thanked the attendees for their participation, saying as Kenya and China continue to nurture their business relations, such events serve as testament to the enduring bond between the two countries and their shared commitment to mutual prosperity and understanding.