China (Linyi)-Kenya int'l commodity expo opens to boost trade

NAIROBI, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The second edition of the China (Linyi)-Kenya International Commodity Exhibition opened on Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, attracting more than 100 exhibitors.

The three-day event, graced by government officials and business executives from Kenya and China, features matchmaking sessions and showcases manufactured products from both countries.

Florence Sugut, managing director of Ikapa Media East Africa Ltd., an international conference and events organizing company that was involved in marketing the expo, said it is expected to draw over 6,000 visitors from Kenya and abroad.

"The aim of this expo is to support local enterprises in getting products directly from factories. The exhibitors here are manufacturers from China coming to meet local traders, exporters, and any other people whose businesses are here," Sugut said.

She added that during the expo, which has also attracted 20 Kenyan exhibitors, visitors, including local retailers, will be able to access high-quality products manufactured in China without relying on middlemen.

Meanwhile, Chinese exhibitors will gain insight into local business dynamics during the three-day event, especially the embrace of products imported from China, Sugut noted.

During the expo, Sugut disclosed that business-to-business meetings will take place in major sectors such as agricultural machinery, building and construction, and hardware.

She noted that trade fairs have become critical avenues for promoting Sino-Kenyan commercial ties, besides fostering technology transfer and sharing knowledge on sustainable business practices.

Damaris Wanjiru, sales executive with a Nairobi-based clearing and forwarding company, said that attending the expo was motivated by the desire to meet potential clients, including importers of Chinese-made goods.

According to Wanjiru, her company has already inked deals with Kenyan importers of products manufactured in China, including auto parts, electrical appliances, and smartphones.

Zhu Wendong, sales manager of Linyi Yidao New Material Co., Ltd., which produces silicone adhesive, glass adhesive, and polyurethane foam adhesive, expressed optimism about the Kenyan market.

"I think Kenya is a fertile land for investment, with good economic development potential and a stable social environment," Zhu said. Enditem