Chinese, UK commerce bodies in Kenya agree to boost ties

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed here on Tuesday between the Kenya China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) and the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) in a bid to promote bilateral commercial relations in Kenya.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperative relationship between companies from China and Britain in Kenya and beyond, in many aspects, including information sharing, capacity building, project partnership, export promotion and enhancement of friendship.

Chinese companies have been in close cooperation with local companies in Kenya in various fields, including infrastructure, trade, technology, culture and education, and have achieved outstanding results, said Chinese ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa.

Liu voiced his belief that this MoU will be a new start and set a good example for systematic tripartite cooperation, by providing a platform for the UK-China companies to explore and share trade and investment opportunities and expand areas of collaboration in Kenya.

Nic Hailey, British High Commissioner to Kenya, said there is no competition between Britain and China in Kenya.

"The signing of MoU shows a three-way win situation," said Hailey, adding that British, Chinese and Kenyan companies are working together to bring prosperity to the country and its people.

The KCETA has 79 members, including 11 companies as council members which are large and medium-sized enterprises. Since its establishment in January 2001, the KCETA has been making efforts in information communication and business cooperation among themselves and with companies from Kenya and other countries. Endit