Chinese automotive firm Beiqi Foton Motor on Friday launched an operation center in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, to facilitate its expansion across the east African region where demand for trucks, pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles is growing.

Guo Ce, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said at the launch ceremony that "as the east African countries unroll their development plans, I believe that Foton Motor Kenya among other Chinese companies will continuously provide good products and services, so as to make more contribution to the construction and development of this region and Kenya, and inject new vitality into our two countries' friendly cooperation."

Guo noted that Foton has sold more than 3,500 vehicles in Kenya since its entrance in the market in 2012.

"In the near future, Foton products will be exported to neighboring countries to benefit the region and at the same time boost the export production rate in Kenya," he said.

Peter Munya, cabinet secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, hailed the setting up of the 800 million Kenyan shilling (8 million U.S. dollars) regional operation center, saying it will boost the country's growth agenda.

"The center will improve economic and trade cooperation between east African countries," Munya said in a message read on his behalf by the managing director of Kenya Investment Authority, Moses Ikiara.

He said the government is keen to promote growth of the local motor vehicle assembly sector as a means to boost job creation.

Ma Rentao, president of Foton International Group, said the automobile firm is keen to grow its brand across the east African region. 

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