2010 World Expo Shanghai opens on May 1 to Oct. 31, a duration of six months. President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya has led a high-powered delegation comprising government officials and industry leaders.

As the opening ceremony taking place on Friday in Shanghai, China, a cross section of Nairobi residents expressed hope that Kenya as an African country will benefit from the Expo.

Janice Kibisu, a 38-year-old Hotelier in Lavington, said Kenya will benefit immensely from the Expo because of the long duration it is taking place.

"Because each country has something to offer, it will serve as an ideal market-place for people to showcase their products and also know what other countries in the world offer," he explained.

He said since every nation wants to display its best products, the Expo will serve as biggest plaza where one can find the best in the world under one roof.

James Njiru, who is a bank teller, thought that because Kenya is also participating in the Expo, it offers the best opportunity for the country to display its products.

"I expect the arena of Kenya's tea, coffee and curios trinkets to attract the attention of those who will visit our stand. I am optimistic many deals will be clinched during the Expo," he said.

David Ayiro, Daily Nation deputy business editor, told Xinhua that the Shanghai Expo gives Kenyan entrepreneurs the opportunity to widen their scope and market for their products.

He said it will greatly help local businessmen strengthen its linkages and build sustainable alliances that are crucial for the development of the country and improve the economy. "This is a significant step towards the country attaining the 2030 goals."

"Kenyan exhibitors will also be able to learn new skills and ways to produce market and sell their products with less cost. This knowledge is crucial as it will help in adding value to its products that they intend to sell on the Chinese market and the global market as a whole," he added.

Ayiro also stressed that Kenyans will also be able to lure Chinese investors to tap into the local market and help fast track the economic growth.

"As a gateway to east Africa and the Great Lakes region, Kenya stands out as the best bet for Chinese investors to tap into the region and sell its products", he noted.

"It is a good thing the Expo is taking place in China, because Kenya deals massively with the Chinese in many areas," 25-year-old Joyce Mutuku told Xinhua.

(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2010)