April 2, 2025

newsline

Timely – Precise – Factual

Kenya Eyes Stronger China Ties at Global Digital Trade Expo Forum

194 Views

A promotional conference for the fourth Global Digital Trade Expo was held in Nairobi, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, and business executives to explore opportunities in e-commerce and digital trade.

The event, hosted by the Hangzhou municipal government, also highlighted the upcoming African Digital Trade Day, which will be a key feature of the expo scheduled for September 25-29 in Hangzhou, China.

The expo, which boasts a strong global reach, is expected to attract over 100 international dignitaries and diplomats.

Speaking at the conference, Zhou Zhencheng, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, emphasized the expo’s role in deepening China-Africa partnerships in digital trade and e-commerce.

He pointed out the potential for Kenya and China to collaborate in advanced technologies, particularly in telecommunications and smart cities.

“I welcome you all to China during the Digital workshop where you will be able to learn several ways we can partner together to promote business and grow,” Zhou Zhencheng said.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, John Tanui, said the expo presents an opportunity for Kenya to harness the digital economy for job creation.

“The digital economy has revolutionized how businesses operate. E-commerce, digital platforms, and online services have torn down the walls that once limited MSMEs, giving them unprecedented access to global markets,” Tanui said.

He noted that Kenya is eager to learn from China’s expertise in digital trade as it seeks to expand its footprint in the sector.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata lauded China’s role in bridging the digital divide in Kenya, noting that enhanced cooperation between the two nations has boosted access to modern technologies.

Kang’ata showcased Murang’a County’s investment potential, inviting Chinese investors to explore manufacturing, energy, and smart governance projects.

“China has played a key role in ensuring that Kenya, and particularly Murang’a, benefits from digital innovations. We look forward to welcoming more Chinese investors into our county to explore new opportunities,” Kang’ata said.

The governor emphasized that Murang’a County is particularly keen on partnerships in farming and processing, sectors that are crucial to the region’s economy.

“As a county, we are committed to working with various investors to drive economic growth and create employment for our people,” he added.

John Mwendwa, CEO of the Kenya Investment Authority, reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment for foreign investors in the digital sector.

He added that Kenya intends to showcase its investment opportunities at the expo to attract global stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Wang Yongfang, director of the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, highlighted the Global Digital Trade Expo as a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the digital trade sector.