Africa Economy: Kenyan, Chinese trade lobbies ink deal to cut import logistics

Kenya and China trade lobbies have launched an online window to help reduce logistical cost for import and export trade between the two countries, and thus rein in trade in fake goods.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Amanbo, the first online Sino-Africa business platform, signed a memorandum of understanding in Nairobi late Tuesday that will ensure strict scrutiny of products entering the country.

"KNCCI is pleased to be a part of finding solutions that would enhance trade between both countries, as well as create opportunities for Kenya as an investment destination by investors from the rest of the world, and become an exporting country to China," KNNCI chairman Kiprono Kittony said.

Under the deal, KNNCI will help verify the quality and standards for Kenyans who want to post their products for the Chinese market. Amanbo will then allow Kenyans to open free online shops to advertise in China while displaying products for import.

"Kenyans will be assured of getting genuine and authentic products from China. This will save us a lot of trouble while trading with the country," Kittony said. "We want to see more coffee, cut flowers and vegetable being exported into the Chinese markets," he said.

The online platform, which was launched this year in Africa targeting the growing volumes of trade between the continent and China, is expected to become a game changer in the import and export trade.

The platform has also been launched exclusively targeting at marketing goods and services offered by Kenyan exporters and Chinese importers, with a promise on huge discounts for users.

Kenyan exporters will get access to wholesale products from China, find qualified manufacturers, suppliers, exporters and factories from Amanbo.com.

Local products will also enjoy free display in Chinese markets with exporters tipped to save cash by cutting travel, accommodation and transportation costs.

Amanbo has set up shop in the continent's leading IT markets. It eliminates the language barrier and offers local traders a large pool of options to pick the most competitive prices from thousands of manufacturers for their products. Enditem